restraint of trade

1
: an act, fact, or means of curbing the free flow of commerce or trade
covenant not to compete with an employer after leaving is in restraint of trade and must be reasonable to be enforced
2
: an attempt or intent to eliminate or stifle competition, to effect a monopoly, to maintain prices artificially, or otherwise to hamper or obstruct the course of trade and commerce as it would be if left to the control of natural and economic forces
the Sherman Antitrust Act declared every contract, combination, and conspiracy in restraint of trade to be illegal
also : the means (as a contract or combination) employed in such an endeavor see also horizontal restraint, per se rule sense 2, rule of reason, vertical restraint, Sherman Antitrust Act

Dictionary Entries Near restraint of trade

Cite this Entry

“Restraint of trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/restraint%20of%20trade. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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