gatekeep

American  

[geyt-keep] / ˈgeɪtˌkip /

verb (used with or without object)

gatekept, gatekeeping

1. to control access to something, or determine the legitimacy of people’s claims to a particular status, by unilaterally imposing criteria for acceptance.

   We gatekeep the counseling profession at the university level—anyone not making the grade is dropped from the program.

   I can't believe you’re trying to gatekeep depression based on your own symptoms.

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Etymology

Origin of gatekeep

First recorded in 1960–65; gate ¹ ( def. ) + keep ( def. )

Example Sentences

"AI is here to stay, to gatekeep its capability would be against the beliefs I hold dear about art," he said.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

“We’re not gonna gatekeep people. We want more women to have more opportunities,” Tosi said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

As a gay White man, he didn’t want to gatekeep, even as he languished on “every wait list.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 11, 2023

Catalano said those trying to gatekeep seem to have forgotten the purpose of the platform: “It’s a social media website, and people are going crazy that other people may join them,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 25, 2022

"You don't want to gatekeep ube, but it's really great to give respect to where an ingredient is from and what it tastes like."

From Salon • May 26, 2022