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Softer term for gaslighting - as in, trying to make someone constantly think they're wrong?

English Language & Usage Asked on August 29, 2021

I"m aware of the term "gaslighting", but I believe this only references when someone else is trying to make you think you’re going mad; but I’m wondering is there a similar term that explains when someone is doing much the same, but in this instance is trying to make you constantly doubt your intelligence on the matter and acts as if their opinion on the matter is infallible, based on just their word?

3 Answers

Potentially undermine

to make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, or to make something weaker, often gradually

Correct answer by William Theisen on August 29, 2021

A word that comes to mind for me is enervate

enervate: to reduce the mental or moral vigor of (Websters)

Some Examples

Another, really fun word, is unstring

unstring: To deprive of composure or emotional stability; unnerve. (Heritage)

Answered by Jim Simson on August 29, 2021

I offer unhinge, which carries with it strong connotations of mentally unbalancing someone.

Here is how AHD defines the word—

To confuse or disrupt: an event that unhinged the marriage.

To derange or unbalance: He was unhinged by his wife's death.

Answered by user57854437 on August 29, 2021

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