To control access to something or to restrict information, opportunities, or resources to maintain power or exclusivity.
From 'gatekeeper' (one who controls a gate), extended metaphorically in modern usage to describe anyone who controls access. The term gained prominence in 20th-century media criticism and modern internet culture.
Gatekeeping exploded as a concept when the internet arrived—suddenly you didn't need to control physical gates anymore, but could control information, creating digital gatekeepers like search engines and social media platforms that decide what billions see.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.