gatekeeper

noun
UK /ˈɡeɪtˌkiːpə/
US /ˈɡeɪtˌkiːpər/

A gatekeeper is a person who guards a gate and decides who can go through.

The gatekeeper checked our tickets before letting us into the castle.

SYNONYMS

guarddoorkeeperwatchmansentinelkeeper

RELATED WORDS

gateguardentrancesecuritypermission

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A person or group that controls access to something, like information or opportunities.

The editor acts as a gatekeeper for which stories get published.

3. In computing, a program or system that controls and filters access between networks.

The firewall works as a gatekeeper for the company's network.

4. In biology, a gatekeeper species helps keep an ecosystem balanced.

Scientists call this butterfly a gatekeeper because it shows the health of the meadow.