gaslight
/ˈɡæsˌlaɪt/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.63 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
2
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To manipulate someone such that they doubt their own memory, perceptions of reality, or sanity, typically for malevolent reasons.
Formal; Transitive verb
Example Sentences
- "He was renovated and refreshed, his soul was strengthened, and his countenance waxed cheerful, and he began to feel like himself again, under the brown canopy of metropolitan smoke, and among the cabs and gaslights."
- "Open the windows once in awhile^([sic]) and give the air a chance to circulate in and out. In the evening, do not forget that the lamps and gaslights are using up a goodly supply of oxygen also—so freshen things up a little, once in awhile."
- "A year since I strained my eyes very severely, and have never dared to use them much since by gaslight."
- "Then as the darkness descended, they began to shine with the mellow radiance of gaslight."
- "Sylvia is a beautiful woman whose business-partner husband is "gaslighting" her. (That means he's trying to drive her crazy.)"
- "[The men of McHale's Navy] decide to "gaslight" the already befuddled captain, to convince him he is going insane."
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈɡæsˌlaɪt/
- British English: /ˈɡæslaɪt/