Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a targeted group, making them question their own memory, perception, or sanity. The term "gaslighting" originates from the 1938 play "Gas Light," in which a husband attempts to convince his wife that she is going insane by manipulating her environment and denying things that he previously said or did.

In modern usage, gaslighting can take many forms, including denial of facts or events, persistent lying or misrepresentation, projection of one's own actions or beliefs onto another person, and manipulating someone's emotional responses to make them doubt themselves. Gaslighting can occur in a variety of settings, including personal relationships, workplace environments, and political or social contexts.

Gaslighting can be extremely damaging to the mental health and well-being of the targeted individual, and it can lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and self-doubt. It is important to be aware of the signs of gaslighting and to seek support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals if you suspect that you or someone you know is being gaslit.