what does gaslighting mean

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse or manipulation where a person causes another to question their own sanity, memories, or perception of reality. This tactic aims to undermine the victim's confidence and make them dependent on the abuser by distorting reality and making the victim doubt their own thoughts and judgments. The term comes from a 1938 play and subsequent films titled "Gaslight," in which a husband manipulates his wife into believing she is mentally ill to control her. Gaslighting can occur in various relationships, including intimate partnerships, family, and workplaces, and often involves techniques such as denying events, trivializing feelings, diverting conversations, and questioning memories to confuse and control the victim.