restraint of trade

American  

noun

1. action tending to interrupt the free flow of goods and services, as by price fixing and other practices that have the effect of reducing competition.

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restraint of trade British  

noun

1. action tending to interfere with the freedom to compete in business

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Etymology

Origin of restraint of trade

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The attorneys general, jumping on the issue even before the N.C.A.A. has released specific accusations against the University of Tennessee, said the restriction amounted to an unlawful restraint of trade.

From New York Times

But there are several obstacles, including the potential for lawsuits claiming restraint of trade.

From Seattle Times

“The antitrust laws do not require one competitor to help another compete with it; instead, they prohibit only unreasonable restraints of trade.”

From Seattle Times

Facebook in 2018 was an unlawful restraint of trade, with U.S.

From Reuters

In lawsuits by pre-2018 workers, however, the chains have argued that there was no conspiracy or, in the alternative, that any restraint of trade was not unreasonable.

From Reuters