Great Filter

English

Proper noun

the Great Filter

1. (astronomy) A barrier which prevents intelligent life from developing to a level where it can be detected across interstellar distances.
2. (astronomy) The hypothesis that such a barrier exists.
   • 2024 March 18, “Exploring the SCP Foundation: SCP-3426 - Reckoner” (0:50 from the start), in The Exploring Series‎^[1], archived from the original on 30 March 2024:

     While there are plenty of potential explanations and counterarguments for the Fermi paradox, one that has grabbed a lot of attention is known as the Great Filter - the idea that there is some sort of filter that prevents a civilization from becoming advanced enough to traverse the galaxy.