noun gas·light·ing ˈgas-ˌlī-tiŋ -ˈlī-
1: psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one's emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator Gaslighting can be a very effective tool for the abuser to control an individual. It's done slowly so the victim writes off the event as a one off or oddity and doesn't realize they are being controlled and manipulated.
—Melissa Spino
Gaslighting can happen in any relationship circumstance, including between friends and family members—not just in couple relationships.
—Deena Bouknight
This is a classic gaslighting technique—telling victims that others are crazy and lying, and that the gaslighter is the only source for "true" information. It makes victims question their reality …
—Stephanie Sarkis
2: the act or practice of grossly misleading someone especially for one's own advantage
Election season can create emotions spanning from immense anxiety all the way to extreme apathy. The public arguing, divisiveness, and competition for votes, including political gaslighting, can be overwhelming and exhausting.
—Vernita Perkins and Leonard A. Jason
As the midterm elections approach, Americans have gotten an earful both about crime itself and how the other side is distorting the news about it for political gain. "Cherry-picking!" "Fearmongering!" "Gaslighting!"
—Chris Herrmann and Fritz Umbach
Intense gaslighting techniques are making it difficult for Montana’s commoners to discern what’s truth and what’s propaganda.
—Steve Kelly
This corporate gaslighting effectively blames children for being addicted to social media and conveniently ignores how companies have intentionally designed their products to have addictive features …
—Nancy Kim