Gaslighting someone means manipulating them psychologically to the point where they begin to doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity. It is a form of emotional abuse where the abuser distorts reality, causing the victim to question their judgment and intuition. The goal of gaslighting is often to gain power and control over the victim by making them feel confused, insecure, and uncertain about what is true

. The term "gaslighting" originates from a 1938 play and its 1944 film adaptation titled Gaslight , in which a husband manipulates his wife into believing she is going insane to cover up his own wrongdoing

. Common tactics used in gaslighting include:

• Denying or lying about facts, even when the victim knows the truth
• Withholding information or refusing to listen
• Countering the victim’s memory or version of events
• Diverting attention away from the issue
• Trivializing the victim’s feelings or reactions
• Making the victim feel overly sensitive or crazy

These behaviors are often subtle at first but increase over time, eroding the victim’s self-confidence and mental health

. Gaslighting can occur in various relationships, including romantic partnerships, families, workplaces, and even medical settings. It is a serious form of psychological abuse that can lead to long-term emotional harm

. In summary, gaslighting means deliberately causing someone to question their reality and sanity to manipulate and control them emotionally