# antitrust

/ˌæntaɪˈtɹəst/ (US) · /ˌæntɪtɹˈʌst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antitrust
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

relating to laws that stop companies from becoming too powerful or controlling a market. You use this word when talking about business rules and fair competition.

For teachers: relating to legislation or legal actions designed to prevent the formation of monopolies and promote fair competition in the marketplace. Typically used attributively before nouns such as 'law', 'policy', or 'regulation'.

## Examples

- The government passed a new antitrust law.
- The agency launched an antitrust investigation into the tech giant's recent merger.
- Critics argued that the company's aggressive pricing strategy violated antitrust principles by effectively squeezing out smaller competitors from the digital marketplace.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used as an attributive adjective modifying nouns related to law, policy, or investigation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
