Antitrust: meaning, definitions and examples
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antitrust
[ ˌæntaɪˈtrʌst ]
legal context
Antitrust refers to legislation and regulations aimed at promoting competition and preventing monopolistic practices in the business sector. These laws are designed to protect consumers from anti-competitive behaviors such as price-fixing, monopolization, and other forms of unfair competition. The fundamental goal of antitrust laws is to ensure a fair market environment where companies can compete fairly and consumers have access to a range of choices. Key elements of antitrust policy include regulating mergers and acquisitions, addressing anti-competitive conduct, and protecting the integrity of free markets.
Synonyms
antimonopoly law, antitrust legislation, competition law
Examples of usage
- The government filed an antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant.
- Antitrust regulations help maintain healthy competition in the market.
- The merger was scrutinized under antitrust laws.
Translations
Translations of the word "antitrust" in other languages:
🇵🇹 antitruste
🇮🇳 प्रतिरोधकता
🇩🇪 Wettbewerbsrecht
🇮🇩 anti monopoli
🇺🇦 антитраст
🇵🇱 antymonopolowy
🇯🇵 独占禁止法
🇫🇷 antitrust
🇪🇸 antimonopolio
🇹🇷 rekabet karşıtı
🇰🇷 독점 금지
🇸🇦 مكافحة الاحتكار
🇨🇿 antimonopolní
🇸🇰 antimonopolný
🇨🇳 反垄断
🇸🇮 protimonopolni
🇮🇸 samkeppnislög
🇰🇿 антимонополиялық
🇬🇪 ანტიმონოპოლიური
🇦🇿 antimonopol
🇲🇽 antimonopolio
Word origin
The term 'antitrust' originated in the United States during the late 19th century, primarily as a reaction to the monopolistic practices of large corporations such as Standard Oil and the American Tobacco Company. The word combines 'anti-' meaning against, with 'trust', which in this context referred to business trusts or large corporate entities that sought to dominate markets and stifle competition. In 1890, the Sherman Antitrust Act was passed, marking a significant milestone in the development of antitrust law. This act prohibited contracts, combinations, and conspiracies in restraint of trade. Over time, further legislation such as the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 and the Federal Trade Commission Act were enacted to strengthen these regulations, addressing specific unfair business practices. The evolution of antitrust laws reflects the ongoing struggle to balance corporate power with market competition, ensuring consumer welfare and maintaining a free-enterprise system. Today, antitrust issues are at the forefront of discussions regarding the influence of technology giants and their impact on market dynamics.