Word
gatekeeper
Phoneticsgate·keep·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡeɪtˌkipɝ/
UK/ɡˈeɪtkiːpɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person or system that controls who can enter a place or who can get information. In computing, it is often a security tool that checks if a request is safe.
n. a person or entity that controls access to a resource, information, or location. In technical contexts, it refers to a security mechanism or software that filters and authorizes network traffic or data requests.
Examples
“The security guard acts as a gatekeeper for the building.”
“In many organizations, the manager serves as a gatekeeper, deciding which projects receive funding and which do not.”
“Modern cybersecurity architectures often employ a gatekeeper at the network perimeter to filter out malicious traffic before it can reach internal servers or sensitive databases.”
Examples
simple
“The security guard acts as a gatekeeper for the building.”
contextual
“In many organizations, the manager serves as a gatekeeper, deciding which projects receive funding and which do not.”
complex
“Modern cybersecurity architectures often employ a gatekeeper at the network perimeter to filter out malicious traffic before it can reach internal servers or sensitive databases.”
Real-World Examples
“It urged cinemas to "act as gatekeepers for the audience, and clearly reject films that are obviously not up to standard instead of letting films like Niu Lai run rampant".” “These gatekeepers understand that working-class people have a harder time running for office .” Etymology
From gate + keeper.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/gatekeeper