What is Gaslighting?

I’m not sure how the month got away from me – actually, it may be because I went on vacation. When I saw that March was just around the corner and I had not written anything for February yet, I knew I had to get busy.

Writing-wise, things were very productive. I started with a critique group for my work-in-progress about a young woman raised by a conservative congressman who was gaslit her entire life. So, I thought I would take the time to discuss gaslighting. What is it? Who does it? Why is it bad?

First of all, grammar programs seem to have a tough time with the word. Miriam-Webster defines it as a noun, “psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one's emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.” Also “the act or practice of grossly misleading someone especially for one's own advantage.”

It is the present participle of “gaslight,” a verb with the same meaning. It can also be “gaslit,” but somehow grammar programs haven’t caught up with its usage, because I get a red line under it when I use the verb form.

Which led me to research, where did this word come from?

The word comes from a 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton called “Gas Light,” which was later adapted into the film “Gaslight” about a man who manipulates his wife into believing she’s going insane. His method for driving her crazy was to dim the gas lights, then deny that the light had changed, making her question her perception of reality.

Merriam-Webster proclaimed it the word of the year for 2022. Hmm, what happened that year to make a word for fake news and manipulated reality so popular? Oh, yeah! Covid vaccinations.

My novel is coming together quite nicely. I’m about halfway finished with my first draft. And lucky for me, I continue to see examples of political gaslighting nearly every day!