antitrust

American

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

adjective

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.

antitrust British

/ ˌæntɪˈtrʌst /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing antitrust

Economics

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Prefixes: ant-, anti-

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Economics I

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A judge blocked a proposed tie-up between JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines in early 2024 after the Justice Department sued to prevent it on antitrust grounds.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

A large acquisition would raise antitrust concerns, dilute margins, and challenge Nvidia’s neutral vendor status.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Bonta has told The Times that his office is reviewing the transaction to see if it violates antitrust rules.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

X sued an ad trade group and several big companies, including CVS Health, Colgate-Palmolive and Mars, claiming the group illegally boycotted the platform and violated antitrust laws.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

In 1947, GM and a number of its allies in the scheme were indicted on federal antitrust charges.

From "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal" by Eric Schlosser

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023