Antitrust refers to a set of laws and regulations that are designed to promote fair competition in business by preventing monopolies, cartels or other anti-competitive behavior. The term comes from the phrase “against trusts,” referring to the breakup of large corporate trusts at the turn of the 20th century. Antitrust laws aim to protect consumers and promote a free market by preventing companies from engaging in practices that limit competition, such as price fixing or colluding with competitors to reduce output and raise prices. Violations of antitrust laws can result in fines, legal action, or even the breakup of large corporations.