Gaslighting means manipulating someone into doubting their own memories, perceptions, or sanity. It is a form of psychological abuse where the abuser distorts reality to make the victim question their judgment and intuition, often to gain power and control over them. This can involve denying events, lying, trivializing feelings, or creating false stories to confuse the victim. Over time, gaslighting can severely damage a person's self-confidence and mental health, making them feel confused, anxious, or unable to trust themselves

. The term originates from a 1938 play and its 1944 film adaptation, Gaslight , where a husband manipulates his wife into believing she is going insane by denying reality and altering her environment

. Gaslighting commonly occurs in abusive relationships but can also happen in families, workplaces, or medical settings. Signs include the abuser denying or twisting facts, dismissing the victim's feelings, and making them feel overly sensitive or crazy

. In summary, to gaslight someone is to emotionally manipulate them so they question their own reality and lose confidence in their perceptions or memories.