# gatekeeper

/ˈɡeɪtˌkipɝ/ (US) · /ɡˈeɪtkiːpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gatekeeper
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.