The Origin of Gaslighting: From Silver Screen to Psychological Warfare
Merriam-Webster's selection of "gaslighting" as its Word of the Year in 2022 left many people asking about this peculiar term's origins. The name comes from a 1938 stage play called "Gas Light," and its influence now extends way beyond the reach and influence of its theatrical beginnings.
The story started as a fictional tale about a husband who manipulates his wife by dimming gas lights. Now it's recognized as a serious form of psychological abuse. Research shows 48.3% of women and 48.8% of men have experienced psychological manipulation in their intimate relationships. The numbers become more alarming - seven out of ten women who experience such emotional abuse develop symptoms of PTSD or depression.
The sort of thing I love about this concept is how a 1938 play and its 1944 film adaptation, with seven Academy Award nominations, created one of psychology's most significant terms. This powerful concept has evolved from stage drama to become a crucial part of mental health discussions.
The Gaslighting Origin Movie: A Look Back
Image Source: Alamy
The theatrical stage birthed "gaslighting" long before it became a psychological term. Patrick Hamilton's 1938 British play "Gas Light" told a dark tale of marriage filled with deception and psychological manipulation in the fog-bound London of the 1880s.
The 1938 play and 1944 film that started it all
Hamilton's play caught attention quickly. Two notable film versions followed - a British adaptation in 1940 and a more prominent American version in 1944. George Cukor directed the Hollywood production with an exceptional cast. Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, and Joseph Cotten starred in the film that launched Angela Lansbury's career.
"Gaslight" (as one word) earned its place in cinema history. Bergman's compelling performance won her an [Academy Award for Best Actress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslight_(1944_film). The film's exceptional art direction also earned an Academy Award for Best Art Direction - Interior Decoration [1].
Plot summary and key manipulation tactics in the movie
Victorian London sets the stage for Paula Alquist's story (Bergman). She finds her famous opera-singing aunt Alice Alquist murdered in their London home. The trauma sends Paula to Italy to study music [2]. She meets Gregory Anton (Boyer), a charming pianist, years later. Love blossoms and they return to live in Paula's inherited house.
Gregory reveals his true nature through calculated psychological abuse after they settle in. His devastating manipulation tactics include:
- He isolates Paula by convincing her she's too unwell to leave the house or receive visitors
- He plants doubts about her memory by hiding objects and accusing her of taking them
- He flirts with the young maidservant in front of Paula
- He claims her mother died insane in an asylum, suggesting Paula shares the same fate
Gregory visits the attic each night searching for hidden jewels. His activities make the house's gas lights dim inexplicably. Paula notices these fluctuations, but Gregory dismisses her observations as imagination [3].
Police detective Brian Cameron (Cotten) recognizes Paula and starts investigating. He reveals the truth to Paula: "You're not going out of your mind. You're slowly and systematically being driven out of your mind" [3].
Why is gaslighting called gaslighting?
Hamilton's play and its film adaptations gave birth to the term "gaslighting." The name comes from the Victorian home's gas-powered lights that mysteriously dim and brighten [4].
Some analyzes point out that Gregory's manipulation of gas lights wasn't his main gaslighting tactic. The flickering happened by accident while he searched the attic [5]. Notwithstanding that, the flickering lights became a perfect metaphor for Paula's weakening grip on reality [5].
Writers started using "gaslight" as a verb around 1961 [6]. The term became accessible to more people in the mid-2010s [7]. Merriam-Webster recognized its impact by naming it Word of the Year in 2022.
From Fiction to Psychology: How the Term Evolved
The trip of "gaslighting" from stage play to psychological terminology charts a peculiar path unlike most clinical terms. Most psychological concepts start in academic journals, but gaslighting made an unusual leap from popular culture into scientific literature.
The Rise of Gaslighting's Popularity
"Gaslighting" stayed in relative obscurity for decades after the 1944 film. The movie received critical acclaim, yet the term remained quiet in mainstream language. The gerund form "gaslighting" emerged in the 1950s through an episode of "The Burns and Allen Show" [7]. The New York Times used the term just nine times after Maureen Dowd first mentioned it in her 1995 column [7].
The mid-2010s brought an explosion in popularity. Google Trends data reveals searches for "gaslighting" surged in 2016 [7]. The American Dialect Society recognized the term's growing impact by naming "gaslight" the "most useful" new word of 2016 [7][5]. Oxford University Press later selected it as a runner-up among the most popular new words of 2018 [7].
This momentum grew stronger into the 2020s. Merriam-Webster crowned "gaslighting" its Word of the Year for 2022 after searches for the term jumped by 1740% [8]. This surge showed how deeply the concept had rooted itself in discussions about manipulation and truth.
First uses in psychology and media
The term's path into clinical literature proved more gradual than its casual usage. A 1969 Lancet paper by Barton and Whitehead marked an early documented use in psychology. They described "the Gas Light phenomenon" as the involuntary hospitalization of psychiatric patients that constituted abuse [9].
Notwithstanding that, formal psychology rarely used the term for decades. Clinical terminology remained the preferred choice for describing manipulative behaviors. Robin Stern's 2007 book "The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life" sparked the modern understanding and usage [9].
The term's rapid adoption after 2016 links to increased political discourse. Oxford Dictionary's 2018 recognition came in part from public figures denying statements despite clear evidence [10].
Gaslighting etymology and early definitions
The meaning of "gaslighting" has expanded by a lot over time. The original definition focused on extreme manipulation from the film—behavior severe enough to cause mental illness or justify institutionalization [7][5].
Merriam-Webster's first definition described gaslighting as "psychological manipulation of a person over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question their reality" [8]. The definition grew to include "the act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for personal advantage" [11].
Clinical psychologist Dr. Monica Vermani points out that true gaslighting goes beyond simple lying or disagreement. She notes its more technically accurate name: "coercive control" [10]. The American Psychological Association defines it precisely as "to manipulate another person into doubting their perceptions, experiences, or understanding of events" [5].
Experts worry about the term losing its meaning through overuse. Dr. Vermani explains, "Referring to disagreements and attempts to convince, influence or sway someone's opinion as gaslighting contributes to serious misunderstanding and trivializing of this dangerous and destructive form of control" [10].
The term "gaslighting" showcases a unique linguistic journey from theatrical roots to psychological framework—one that continues to grow as we learn more about psychological manipulation.
Gaslighting in Modern Psychology
Gaslighting has evolved from its fictional roots to become a well-defined form of abuse that seriously impacts mental health. Modern therapists see it as more than just deception - they recognize it as a systematic pattern that breaks down someone's grip on reality.
How therapists define gaslighting today
Clinical psychologists now see gaslighting as a specific type of emotional and psychological manipulation. The perpetrator works to break down their victim's sense of reality. The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence describes it as "a pattern of behavior that disrupts a person's ability to trust others and themselves" [12]. This goes beyond simple lying or disagreement - experts often call it "coercive control" [13].
Early research looked at gaslighting mainly in romantic relationships. Now psychology recognizes it in a variety of settings like families, workplaces, and healthcare [14]. Mental health experts can separate gaslighting from other manipulation tactics because it has one clear goal: making victims rely on the gaslighter's version of reality.
Mental health professionals spot true gaslighting through these elements:
- A pattern that continues over time, not just one-off events
- A clear aim to control and dominate
- Direct attacks on self-trust
- Tactics that create confusion and self-doubt
Common signs and symptoms of being gaslit
People who face gaslighting show specific psychological and behavioral symptoms. Dr. Robin Stern's 2007 book helped many understand gaslighting better. She points out that victims constantly "second-guess themselves" [15]. This doubt leads to deeper psychological problems.
The Cleveland Clinic lists these common symptoms in gaslighting victims:
- Always questioning their memory, perception, and sanity
- Saying sorry too much and taking blame needlessly
- Finding it hard to make basic decisions
- Making excuses for their abuser's behavior
- Living in constant confusion, fear, and unhappiness
- Feeling more isolated and dependent each day [16]
Long-term gaslighting often leads to serious mental health issues. Research shows victims commonly develop anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder [13]. The constant attack on self-trust makes people vulnerable to major psychological problems.
Mental health experts emphasize that gaslighting is not the same as normal disagreements or forgotten details. One therapist explains it clearly: "Gaslighting is an insidious form of manipulation specifically designed to make the victim question what they know to be true" [12]. This difference helps professionals identify and treat this growing form of psychological abuse.
Cultural Spread and Misuse of the Term
The word "gaslighting" has grown beyond its psychological roots and become a cultural phenomenon. People now use this term more than ever in everyday conversations, which marks a significant change from its clinical origins.
Gaslighting usage over time in pop culture
Searches for "gaslighting" skyrocketed by an astonishing 1740% in 2022 compared to previous years. This surge helped the term earn its place as Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year [6].
The term stayed within therapy circles for decades until the mid-2010s when social media platforms helped spread its use [6]. Political discourse adopted the concept by 2016. Teen Vogue published articles with headlines like "Donald Trump is gaslighting America" [17]. The term expanded to include broader social structures, which led to new concepts like "Racial Gaslighting" and "Structural Gaslighting" [18].
Examples from reality TV and social media
Reality TV shows have become perfect examples of gaslighting discussions. Viewers of "Vanderpump Rules" spotted cast members who made others believe problems were their fault [19]. "Love Island" received criticism when Women's Aid pointed out "clear warning signs of emotional abuse" in the show [20].
Social media platforms have raised awareness about gaslighting but sometimes misuse the term. TikTok and Instagram users have made the word so common that it often becomes a default accusation [2].
Concerns about overuse and mislabeling
Mental health experts worry about how the term loses its meaning through overuse. True gaslighting must have these elements:
- A systematic attempt to undermine another's perception of reality
- An intent to cause confusion and sow doubt
- A power dynamic aimed at control
People often misuse the term for simple disagreements or one-time incidents [6]. This misuse hurts actual victims by making their experiences seem less serious. It creates doubt about real claims and makes effective communication harder [2]. The wrong use of this term can stop real victims from recognizing their abuse and getting help [2].
The Lasting Impact of the Gaslight Movie
George Cukor's 1944 psychological thriller has shaped cinema and culture profoundly. The film stands as one of those rare works that surpass their original medium to change our understanding of human behavior.
Gaslighting origin movie cast and legacy
"Gaslight" brought together an exceptional cast of talented performers. Ingrid Bergman won an Academy Award for Best Actress [1] for her portrayal of Paula. Charles Boyer gave a chillingly convincing performance as her manipulative husband Gregory. Joseph Cotten stepped into the role of detective Brian Cameron. The film marked Angela Lansbury's screen debut as the conspiring housemaid Nancy [1].
The film earned seven Academy Award nominations [21], securing its place in cinema history. Lansbury's portrayal of Nancy as the conspiring housemaid brought attention to a lesser-known aspect of psychological manipulation - how accomplices enable abuse [22].
The film managed to keep its cultural relevance through the decades. It ended up influencing Merriam-Webster to name "gaslighting" its Word of the Year in 2022 [23]. Internet searches for the term saw a remarkable 1740% increase that same year [23]. This 79-year-old film continues to appeal to modern audiences.
How the film shaped public understanding of abuse
"Gaslight" gave audiences a visual framework to understand psychological abuse. It showed what many victims experienced but struggled to state clearly. The movie's portrayal of manipulation tactics helped light up the "refusal to acknowledge women's realities in abusive relationships" [23].
The film's effects reached beyond awareness into legal systems. In fact, the UK incorporated gaslighting into criminal domestic violence law in 2015. Over 300 people faced charges under this offense [24].
Psychotherapist Robin Stern released a second edition of her bestselling book "The Gaslight Effect" in 2018. She credits the film for helping victims identify and name their experiences [21]. Clinical practitioners now use the movie regularly to explain coercive control to their patients [5].
The film remains a powerful cultural touchstone because it captured something deeply real - psychological manipulation's subtle nature that destroys self-trust and reality perception.
Conclusion
"Gaslighting" has evolved remarkably from a 1938 stage play to Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year in 2022. This transformation shows how entertainment can shape our understanding of human behavior. The concept has grown from theatrical drama into a vital framework that helps identify and address psychological manipulation.
Mental health professionals view gaslighting as more than just a trendy term. The specific form of abuse can inflict lasting psychological damage on its victims. Public awareness has increased due to the term's popularity, yet we should avoid diluting its meaning through casual misuse.
"Gaslight" earned seven Academy Award nominations, but the film's impact reaches much deeper. Victims found a vocabulary to describe their experiences, which led to legal protections against psychological abuse. You can spot potential gaslighting by understanding these warning signs and their serious implications.
Our society recognizes psychological manipulation more readily now. The precise meaning of gaslighting needs protection to help potential victims and give appropriate support to those affected by this destructive abuse.
FAQs
Q1. What is the origin of the term "gaslighting"? The term "gaslighting" originates from the 1938 British play "Gas Light" and its subsequent film adaptations, particularly the 1944 Hollywood movie "Gaslight." The story depicts a husband manipulating his wife by dimming gas lights and denying her observations, which became a metaphor for psychological manipulation.
Q2. How has the meaning of gaslighting evolved over time? Initially referring to extreme manipulation as portrayed in the film, the term has broadened to include various forms of psychological abuse. Today, it's defined as a pattern of behavior that undermines a person's perception of reality, often for the manipulator's personal advantage.
Q3. What are some common signs of being gaslit? Common signs include persistently questioning one's memory and sanity, chronic apologizing, difficulty making decisions, defending the abuser, feeling confused and unhappy, and experiencing a growing sense of isolation and dependency on the gaslighter.
Q4. Is gaslighting only present in romantic relationships? No, while initially associated with romantic relationships, gaslighting is now recognized in various contexts including families, workplaces, and healthcare settings. It can occur in any situation where there's a power dynamic that allows for manipulation.
Q5. How has popular culture influenced the understanding of gaslighting? Popular culture, especially reality TV and social media, has both spread awareness about gaslighting and contributed to its misuse. While it has helped many identify abusive behaviors, overuse of the term in everyday situations has led to concerns about diluting its serious psychological implications.
References
[1] - https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/13528-gaslight/cast?language=en-US
[2] - https://www.wellandgood.com/health/misuse-gaslighting
[3] - https://www.jimcarrollsblog.com/blog/2020/11/24/gaslight-a-case-study-in-psychological-abuse
[4] - https://www.thehotline.org/resources/what-is-gaslighting/
[5] - https://www.ilcadv.org/will-you-light-the-gas-please-a-brief-history-of-the-term-gaslighting-and-the-movie-behind-it/
[6] - https://time.com/6262891/psychology-terms-misused-gaslighting-toxic-narcissist/
[7] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslighting
[8] - https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/28/us/merriam-webster-word-year-2022-gaslighting-cec/index.html
[9] - https://www.simplypsychology.org/origin-of-the-term-gaslighting.html
[10] - https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/perception/gaslighting.htm
[11] - https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaslighting
[12] - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gaslighting
[13] - https://www.mga.edu/news/2023/04/what-is-gaslighting-and-how-to-fight-back.php
[14] - https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-gaslighting-in-relationships
[15] - https://www.healthline.com/health/gaslighting
[16] - https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/mental-health/what_is_gaslighting_abuse/
[17] - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15405702.2022.2044042
[18] - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10896-025-00805-4
[19] - https://www.realitytea.com/2024/03/19/the-worst-moments-of-gaslighting-on-vanderpump-rules/
[20] - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jun/22/love-island-emotional-abuse-entertainment-adam-collard-gaslighting
[21] - https://robinstern.com/thank-you-angela-lansbury-how-gaslighting-became-a-part-of-our-culture/
[22] - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/power-in-relationships/202210/thank-you-angela-lansbury-reflections-gaslighting
[23] - https://www.hfa.ucsb.edu/news-entries/2023/6/4/gaslight-exposing-sex-abuse-in-relationships-amp-hollywood
[24] - https://www.asanet.org/wp-content/uploads/attach/journals/oct19asrfeature.pdf