gatekeep: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium (common in online/digital discourse and social commentary)Colloquial, informal; increasingly used in academic and journalistic discourse on culture and sociology.
Quick answer
What does “gatekeep” mean?
To control access to something, a resource, community, or identity, often by setting arbitrary or exclusive criteria.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To control access to something, a resource, community, or identity, often by setting arbitrary or exclusive criteria.
To act as a self-appointed authority who decides who is allowed into a group or is worthy of a particular label, often to maintain a sense of superiority or in-group status. Commonly used in discussions of fandoms, subcultures, professions, and social identities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally negative in both dialects, associated with petty exclusivity.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English digital/media discourse, but widely understood and used in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “gatekeep” in a Sentence
[Subject] gatekeeps [Object (e.g., a community, information)][Subject] gatekeeps [Object] from [Recipient/Group][Subject] is gatekeeping.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gatekeep” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Older fans often gatekeep newer ones by quizzing them on obscure trivia.
- Don't gatekeep the hobby—let people enjoy it their own way.
American English
- She was accused of gatekeeping the activist space from newcomers.
- Some communities gatekeep to maintain a sense of elitism.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard. Use phrases like 'in a gatekeeping manner'.]
American English
- [Not standard. Use phrases like 'acting gatekeepingly' is non-standard and awkward.]
adjective
British English
- His gatekeeping attitude put off many potential members. (derived participle)
- We're fighting gatekeeping behaviour in the industry.
American English
- The subreddit had a gatekeeping culture that was toxic. (derived participle)
- They called out his gatekeeping remarks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe overly restrictive practices in industries or professional associations.
Academic
Used in sociology, media studies, and cultural studies to analyze power dynamics in communities.
Everyday
Common in discussions about hobbies (e.g., music, gaming), online forums, and social groups.
Technical
In IT, 'gatekeeping' can refer to network security protocols, but the verb 'gatekeep' is not standard technical jargon.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gatekeep”
- Using it transitively without a clear object (e.g., 'He just loves to gatekeep' is fine; 'He gatekept' is vague).
- Confusing with 'gaslight' or 'goalkeep'.
- Spelling as two words ('gate keep').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In contemporary usage, yes. It criticises unnecessary exclusivity. The neutral, literal sense (e.g., a security guard gatekeeps an entrance) is very rare.
Almost never. Even if someone believes their exclusion is justified (e.g., maintaining standards), critics will label it 'gatekeeping' pejoratively.
'Gatekeep' implies a role of self-appointed authority over a domain, identity, or body of knowledge. 'Exclude' is broader and doesn't carry the specific metaphor of controlling a point of entry.
'Gatekeeper' is the noun for a person or entity that gatekeeps. The verb 'gatekeep' describes their action.
To control access to something, a resource, community, or identity, often by setting arbitrary or exclusive criteria.
Gatekeep is usually colloquial, informal; increasingly used in academic and journalistic discourse on culture and sociology. in register.
Gatekeep: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡeɪtˌkiːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡeɪtˌkiːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms, but related to 'keep the gates' and 'guard the door']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing at a GATE, deciding who is KEEP-worthy enough to enter. They are a GATE-KEEPER who loves to GATEKEEP.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/COMMUNITY IS A WALLED GARDEN; ACCESS IS PHYSICAL ENTRY THROUGH A GATE.
Practice
Quiz
In modern usage, what is the primary connotation of 'to gatekeep'?