Word: Gate

Pronunciation

/ɡeɪt/

Definitions

• Noun: A hinged barrier that can be opened and closed to allow or prevent entrance or exit, typically installed at the entrance to a field, garden, or building. For example: “The gatekeeper unlocked the large iron gate to let us in.”

  • (Metaphorical) The entrance or point of access to something. Example: “The gate to success is hard work.”
  • (Aviation) A movable barrier on an aircraft carrier that controls the movement of aircraft onto and off the deck.
  • (Electronics) A device that acts as a control valve in an electronic circuit, allowing or preventing the flow of current.

• Verb: (Transitive) To confine or restrict by means of a gate. Example: “The farmer gated the cattle to prevent them from wandering.”

  • (Informal) To eject or deny entry to someone, especially from a sports stadium or event. Example: “The unruly fan was promptly gated by security.”

Phrases

• “Open the gates” means to unlock or unbar an entrance, often implying permission or welcoming.
• “Beyond the gates” suggests going outside the boundaries or limits of something, often referring to entering a new or unknown territory.
• “Gate-crash” refers to attending an event without permission or an invitation.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “She unlatched the garden gate and stepped out into the sunshine.”
• Verb: “Security decided to gate the entire section after several incidents during the match.”

Synonyms

• Barrier
• Door
• Entrance
• Exit
• Portal
• Checkpoint
• Turnstile (in the context of controlling pedestrian access)
• Bouncer (informally, in the context of denying entry to a venue)