gaslight

Best Joe Strummer tribute songs: 1. Constructive Summer - The Hold Steady 2. Strummerville - Stiff Little Fingers 3. I'da Called You Woody, Joe - Gaslight Anthem (partial credit to Counting Down The Hours by Ted Leo &…

if anyone asks him he will look completely blank and we will never know if he genuinely forgot or if he has for some reason decided to gaslight the whole world

If you hand me anything heavy, i am going to toss it, and gaslight you about ever giving it to me.

I am on record as being a fan of your both personally and professionally but don’t you try to gaslight us. A+ writer but big question marks around current illustrating ability.

@Joseph Starita Why you keep wasting your time trying to gaslight mfs who know you a narc, bro? Dead is dead, fool.

Global

#1·Apr 26, 2026Global

To psychologically manipulate someone into doubting their own perception of reality. Popularized as a relationship term in the 2010s and now used loosely for any persistent denial of someone's correct read of a situation.

"He's gaslighting me about what time we said we'd meet."

Origin: From the 1944 film Gaslight, in which a husband manipulates his wife to make her doubt her sanity. Entered psychological terminology, then popular vocabulary in the 2010s.

For parents

Gaslight means: To psychologically manipulate someone into doubting their own perception of reality. Popularized as a relationship term in the 2010s and now used loosely for any persistent denial of someone's. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

gaslight means: To psychologically manipulate someone into doubting their own perception of reality. Popularized as a relationship term in the 2010s and now used loosely for any persistent denial. Register: neutral, standard English. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself.

Heard in the wild

“Best Joe Strummer tribute songs: 1. Constructive Summer - The Hold Steady 2. Strummerville - Stiff Little Fingers 3. I'da Called You Woody, Joe - Gaslight Anthem (partial credit to Counting Down The Hours by Ted Leo & The Pharmacists)”
— Bluesky· May 2026
“if anyone asks him he will look completely blank and we will never know if he genuinely forgot or if he has for some reason decided to gaslight the whole world”
— Bluesky· May 2026
“If you hand me anything heavy, i am going to toss it, and gaslight you about ever giving it to me.”
— Bluesky· May 2026
“I am on record as being a fan of your both personally and professionally but don’t you try to gaslight us. A+ writer but big question marks around current illustrating ability.”
— Bluesky· May 2026
“@Joseph Starita Why you keep wasting your time trying to gaslight mfs who know you a narc, bro? Dead is dead, fool.”
— Bluesky· May 2026

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Show 4 more dictionary-style senses (imported)

Global

#2·May 2, 2026Global

To manipulate someone such that they doubt their own memory, perceptions of reality, or sanity, typically for reasons.

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Global

#3·May 2, 2026Global

A lamp which operates by burning piped illuminating gas (or town gas).

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Global

#4·May 2, 2026Global

The light produced by the burning gas in such a lamp.

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Global

#5·May 2, 2026Global

To deceive, trick, or lie to.