Gaslighting: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Break Free
What Is Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation tactic in which one person causes another to question their perception of reality, memory, or sanity. It’s a slow, calculated form of emotional abuse often used to gain power or control. The term has expanded beyond its clinical roots and now describes a wide range of deceptive behaviors, from toxic relationships to institutional and political manipulation.
At its core, gaslighting is about undermining another person’s confidence in their version of events. The gaslighter may insist things didn’t happen, claim the victim is imagining things, or twist facts until the victim doubts their own mind. This manipulation can make someone feel confused, anxious, and isolated. Over time, victims may become so uncertain of their thoughts that they rely entirely on the gaslighter for the “truth.”
