Searches for the word "gaslighting" increased 1,740% in 2022, Merriam-Webster said. According to Merriam-Webster, the origins of the term "gaslighting" date back to a 1938 play – "which involves a man attempting to make his wife believe that she is going insane." In this original context, Merriam-Webster defines gaslighting as a "psychological manipulation of a person" – which can cause that person "to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem ... and a dependency on the perpetrator." But, the publisher notes, the meaning of gaslighting has expanded even further in recent years. Visit the link in our bio to learn more about the word of the year.