1 definition by RubySmith1999
A form of psychological abuse in which someone (historically male) attempts to invalidate or belittle another person (historically female) by painting a picture of them as 'psycho' or 'crazy'.
This is often done to justify, or deflect from the abuser's behavior.
This can be done in numerous ways
1) By attempting to trick the person themselves into thinking they are insane. Trying to make them lose trust in their own memory or perception.
2) By provocatively baiting someone (often by taunting them or pushing their buttons) into reacting 'irrationally' so that you may demonstrate to others that they are 'unmanageable', 'psycho' or 'crazy'.
This is often done to justify, or deflect from the abuser's behavior.
This can be done in numerous ways
1) By attempting to trick the person themselves into thinking they are insane. Trying to make them lose trust in their own memory or perception.
2) By provocatively baiting someone (often by taunting them or pushing their buttons) into reacting 'irrationally' so that you may demonstrate to others that they are 'unmanageable', 'psycho' or 'crazy'.
F. Scott Fitzgerald was having an affair. In an attempt to 1) get rid of his wife, and get her out of the picture, and 2) justify his infidelity, he would try to convince her and others of her insanity. He would hide her belongings, torment her, withhold information from her then insist he told her and she simply forgot. This led to her being locked away in a mental asylum.
"Did you see how Michael was gaslighting Amber on Love Island last night? Her reaction to him cheating was completely sound until he provoked her by taunting her, and now he thinks he has proven his point that she is 'childish' and 'crazy'."
"Did you see how Michael was gaslighting Amber on Love Island last night? Her reaction to him cheating was completely sound until he provoked her by taunting her, and now he thinks he has proven his point that she is 'childish' and 'crazy'."
by RubySmith1999 July 16, 2019