gaslight: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, psychological, journalistic, everyday (increasingly common)
Quick answer
What does “gaslight” mean?
To manipulate someone by psychological means into questioning their own sanity, memory, or perception of reality.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To manipulate someone by psychological means into questioning their own sanity, memory, or perception of reality.
A form of psychological abuse where a person or group sows seeds of doubt in a targeted individual, making them question their own memory, perception, or judgment, often using persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction, and lying.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling is typically one word ('gaslight') in both, though the original play title was two words. Usage is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly negative, associated with psychological abuse, manipulation, and toxic relationships in both cultures.
Frequency
Frequency has risen sharply in the 21st century in both varieties, particularly in discourse about politics, relationships, and workplace dynamics.
Grammar
How to Use “gaslight” in a Sentence
[Subject] gaslights [Object].[Subject] is gaslighting [Object] into [verb+ing] ...[Object] feels gaslighted/gaslit by [Subject].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gaslight” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to gaslight her into believing she had forgotten the entire conversation.
- Politicians should not gaslight the electorate about basic facts.
American English
- She realized her partner was gaslighting her about their finances.
- The company gaslit consumers by denying the product's known flaws.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used) He spoke gaslightingly, twisting every fact.
- N/A
American English
- (Rarely used) She acted gaslightingly, constantly contradicting herself.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- It was a classic gaslighting tactic.
- She described the gaslight behaviour in detail to her therapist.
American English
- He used gaslighting techniques to maintain control.
- The article exposed the campaign's gaslighting rhetoric.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business contexts, but may appear in discussions of toxic workplace culture or leadership: 'The manager was accused of gaslighting her team about missed deadlines.'
Academic
Common in psychology, sociology, and gender studies literature to describe a specific form of emotional abuse.
Everyday
Increasingly common in discussions of personal relationships, family dynamics, and politics: 'Don't let him gaslight you into thinking it was your fault.'
Technical
Not a technical clinical diagnosis, but a descriptive term used in psychotherapy and counselling.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gaslight”
- Using it to mean simply 'lie to' or 'argue with'. Gaslighting implies a systematic, long-term pattern designed to undermine sanity.
- Using the past tense incorrectly. Both 'gaslit' and 'gaslighted' are accepted, though 'gaslit' is more common.
- Overusing the term for minor disagreements, diluting its specific meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are used. 'Gaslit' is more common and follows the pattern of 'light/lit', but 'gaslighted' is also accepted, especially in more formal writing.
Its core meaning is serious and negative, relating to psychological abuse. Casual use (e.g., 'My friend gaslit me into seeing that film') is increasingly heard but is often criticised for trivialising the concept.
Typically, yes. It describes a deliberate strategy of manipulation. However, some people may unconsciously use gaslighting tactics learned from past experiences without full awareness of their abusive nature.
The gerund 'gaslighting' is the most common noun form (e.g., 'She experienced years of gaslighting'). The agent noun is 'gaslighter'.
To manipulate someone by psychological means into questioning their own sanity, memory, or perception of reality.
Gaslight is usually formal, psychological, journalistic, everyday (increasingly common) in register.
Gaslight: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs.laɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs.laɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to gaslight someone into submission”
- “a campaign of gaslighting”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the old gas lights flickering, making shadows seem unreal. A 'gaslighter' makes reality seem just as unstable and unreal to their victim.
Conceptual Metaphor
MANIPULATION IS DISTORTING REALITY / SANITY IS A STABLE PERCEPTION.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario BEST describes 'gaslighting'?