GAS LIGHTING Meaning and
Definition
-
Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation tactic where one person deliberately creates doubt or confusion in another person in order to gain power or control over them. The term originates from the play and film "Gas Light," where a husband manipulates his wife into thinking she is going insane by dimming the gas lights in their home. Gaslighting often involves subtle and gradual tactics that undermine the victim's perception of reality, making them question their memory, emotions, or sanity.
This insidious form of emotional abuse typically occurs in interpersonal relationships, such as romantic partnerships, family dynamics, or work environments. Gaslighters may deploy various tactics, including denial, misdirection, lying, or trivializing the experiences or feelings of their victim. Over time, the victim becomes increasingly dependent on the gaslighter for validation and begins to doubt their own abilities, judgments, and understanding of reality.
The consequences of gaslighting can be severe and may include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, isolation, and a loss of identity. Victims often find it difficult to trust their own perceptions and may become highly dependent on the gaslighter. Recognizing gaslighting is crucial to breaking free from its effects and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals who can provide validation and guidance.
It is essential to address gaslighting in relationships to promote healthy boundaries, assertiveness, and emotional well-being.
Common Misspellings for GAS LIGHTING
- fas lighting
- vas lighting
- bas lighting
- has lighting
- yas lighting
- tas lighting
- gzs lighting
- gss lighting
- gws lighting
- gqs lighting
- gaa lighting
- gaz lighting
- gax lighting
- gad lighting
- gae lighting
- gaw lighting
- gas kighting
- gas pighting
- gas oighting
- gas lughting
Etymology of GAS LIGHTING
The word "gaslighting" is derived from the term "gaslight", which refers to a form of illumination commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Specifically, gaslighting involves manipulating someone's sense of reality and making them doubt their perceptions or memories.
The term originates from a play called "Gas Light" written by the British playwright Patrick Hamilton in 1938. The plot revolves around a husband who attempts to convince his wife that she is going insane by manipulating the gas lights in their house. He subtly dims the lights, but when his wife notices the change and questions it, he denies any alteration, making her question her own sanity. Thus, the concept of "gaslighting" emerged to describe the psychological manipulation of distorting someone's perception of reality, much like dimming the gas lights in the play.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
