# gaslight

/ˈɡæsɫaɪt/ (US) · /ɡˈæslaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gaslight
Updated: 2026-10-08

## Definition

to make someone doubt their own memory or sanity by lying to them or changing facts. You do this to gain power over the other person and make them feel confused.

For teachers: to manipulate someone by psychological means into questioning their own sanity or perception of reality. Typically involves persistent denial, misdirection, and contradiction to destabilize the victim's confidence.

## Examples

- He tried to gaslight her by saying the argument never happened.
- The manager attempted to gaslight the employees by claiming he had never promised them a bonus, despite the written emails.
- In toxic relationships, one partner may gaslight the other to maintain control, eventually causing the victim to lose trust in their own cognitive faculties and sensory experiences.

## Synonyms

manipulate, deceive, mislead

## Antonyms

validate

## Pitfalls

- Not "he gaslighted me about the truth" but "he gaslit me" — While 'gaslighted' is technically acceptable, 'gaslit' is the more common past tense form used by native speakers.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Derived from the 1938 play 'Gas Light'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.