antitrust

American  

[an-tee-truhst, an-tahy-] / ˌæn tiˈtrʌst, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. opposing or intended to restrain trusts, monopolies, or other large combinations of business and capital, especially with a view to maintaining and promoting competition.

   antitrust legislation.

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antitrust British  

/ ˌæntɪˈtrʌst /

noun

1. (modifier) regulating or opposing trusts, monopolies, cartels, or similar organizations, esp in order to prevent unfair competition

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Etymology

Origin of antitrust

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; anti- + trust

Explanation

The adjective antitrust describes a kind of law or rule that protects fairness and competition in business. Antitrust laws are intended to stop companies from forming monopolies. An antitrust attorney specializes in business law, and the rules and regulations that keep competition between businesses fair and equal. One example of an antitrust violation is price fixing, when different companies conspire to keep prices high for their customers. The term antitrust has been around since the 1890s, when the Sherman Act was passed, prohibiting business activities that harmed competition.

Example Sentences

Since then, the Department of Justice has opened a probe into whether the NFL should continue to enjoy antitrust protections that have allowed it to collectively negotiate TV rights deals for all of its teams.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

Nominated by President Barack Obama in 2011, she has overseen some of the most consequential trials related to Silicon Valley in the past decade, including the long-running antitrust case between Epic Games and Apple.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

General Rob Bonta to scrutinize potential antitrust harms that would come from billionaire David Ellison’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

But Wolfe Research analyst Peter Supino doesn’t see that happening, noting that Live Nation settled an antitrust suit with the Justice Department in March.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

When Roosevelt brought an antitrust lawsuit against J. P. Morgan, a multimillionaire banker, Morgan was stunned.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple