Definition

To deliberately control or limit access to information, resources, or spaces, preventing others from participation or knowledge; often used to describe selfish gatekeeping of knowledge or communities.

Example Usage

Stop gatekeeping the recipe—just share it with everyone already.

Origin

Derived from the literal concept of a gatekeeper who controls who passes through a gate; popularized in online communities to describe exclusionary behavior.

Fun Fact

The term has evolved from criticism of gatekeeping (as in 'don't gatekeep that') to something celebrated ironically, especially in internet subcultures.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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See “gatekeep” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

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