This week’s theme
Nouns that became verbs

This week’s words
showboat
gaslight
degauss
Shakespeare
prodnose

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(GAS-lyt)

MEANING:

verb tr.: To manipulate psychologically.

ETYMOLOGY:

From the title of the classic movie Gaslight (1940 and its 1944 remake), based on author Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play. The title refers to a man’s use of seemingly unexplained dimming of gaslights (among other tricks) in the house in an attempt to manipulate his wife into thinking she is going insane. Earliest documented use: 1969.

USAGE:

“We, the viewers, know that Jimmy is essentially gaslighting Chuck, making his own brother doubt himself.”
Matt Wilstein; ‘Better Call Saul’s’ Michael McKean on Chuck’s Devastating Downfall; The Daily Beast (New York); May 9, 2017.

See more usage examples of gaslight in Vocabulary.com’s dictionary.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: