VocabDictionary

cartel

/kaʁ.ˈtɛw/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An association of manufacturers or suppliers with the purpose of maintaining prices at a high level and restricting competition.

Example Sentences:
  • O governo investigou a formação de um cartel pelas empresas de cimento.
  • O cartel de petróleo decidiu reduzir a produção para aumentar os preços globais.
2.noun

A criminal organization, typically involved in the illegal drug trade, that operates similarly to a business monopoly.

Example Sentences:
  • O cartel de drogas foi desmantelado após uma operação policial de longa duração.
  • A violência na região é frequentemente atribuída às disputas territoriais entre cartéis.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “cartel”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Italian 'cartello', a diminutive of 'carta' (paper/card). Historically, it referred to a written challenge or a letter of defiance. By the 19th century, it evolved in German and French to denote a formal agreement between competing firms to control prices and production, eventually taking on its modern economic and criminal connotations.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'car' 'tell': The companies in a cartel 'tell' each other what price to set for their cars.

Frequently Asked Questions About “cartel

1. What is the meaning of “cartel” in English?

In English, cartel (noun) is defined as: “An association of manufacturers or suppliers with the purpose of maintaining prices at a high level and restricting competition.”.

2. How do you use “cartel” in a sentence?

O governo investigou a formação de um cartel pelas empresas de cimento.

3. What are English synonyms of “cartel”?

Common synonyms include:syndicate,monopoly,trust,coalition

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “cartel”?

Derived from the Italian 'cartello', a diminutive of 'carta' (paper/card). Historically, it referred to a written challenge or a letter of defiance. By the 19th century, it evolved in German and French to denote a formal agreement between competing firms to control prices and production, eventually taking on its modern economic and criminal connotations.