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

Live Nation, which owns and operates hundreds of venues, countered that it did not violate U.S. antitrust laws, arguing that artists, sports teams and venues decide prices and ticketing practices.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

For years, antitrust enforcers tried to remedy those concerns with settlements that sought to limit Live Nation’s ability to pressure rivals, but opponents argued that those measures weren’t enough.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The antitrust case was first brought in 2024 by the Justice Department and numerous state attorneys general.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

A potential United-American merger would control 40% of U.S. domestic capacity, facing major antitrust risks.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Maybe you spend three years in Massachusetts, studying constitutional law and discussing the relative merits of exclusionary vertical agreements in antitrust cases.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama