gaslighter

noun

gas·​light·​er ˈgas-ˌlī-tər How to pronounce gaslighter (audio)
-ˈlī-
plural gaslighters
: a person who psychologically manipulates another by means of gaslighting
gaslighters love to make promises to people only to deny they ever made them in the first place. It's a classic mind game that leaves the recipient bewildered and confused.Carina Stathis
Gaslighters work hard to ensure that you never realize it's them causing the problems. The transfer of blame goes to you, because everything will become your fault so that you're easily manipulated.Anna Peel

Examples of gaslighter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Consider this—gaslighters often take on a position of authority in social groups or relationships because of their strong beliefs and stance. Mark Travers, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 Labelling your friends as toxic, gaslighters, manipulative or lazy has never been more prevalent. Charlotte Moore, refinery29.com, 22 Feb. 2024 During an hour-long Zoom interview as part of my research, Chandra repeatedly described her ex-husband as a gaslighter. Paige L. Sweet, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gaslighter was in 1970

Dictionary Entries Near gaslighter

Cite this Entry

“Gaslighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaslighter. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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