Sherman Antitrust Act

American  

noun

1. an act of Congress (1890) prohibiting any contract, conspiracy, or combination of business interests in restraint of foreign or interstate trade.

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Sherman Antitrust Act Cultural  

1. A federal law passed in 1890 that committed the American government to opposing monopolies. The law prohibits contracts, combinations, or conspiracies “in the restraint of trade or commerce.” Under the authority of the Sherman Antitrust Act, the federal government initiated suits against the Standard Oil Company and the American Tobacco Company. (See trust busting.)

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Etymology

Origin of Sherman Antitrust Act

Named after John Sherman, who introduced the bill in Congress

Example Sentences

The companies and their executives are charged with violating Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was passed to protect competition.

From Scientific American • May 31, 2023

This, the complaint said, violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by limiting competition in the league and suppressing players’ pay.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2023

Holmes' statement came in a letter reflecting on the Sherman Antitrust Act, which he thought was a foolish law.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2023

District Court in Manhattan, accusing the baseball commissioner’s office of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 20, 2021