Anti-competitive practices refer to actions taken by businesses to limit competition in the market. These practices can include activities like price-fixing, where companies agree to set prices at a certain level, or creating barriers that prevent new competitors from entering the market. Such actions can harm consumers by leading to higher prices and fewer choices. Another common anti-competitive practice is monopolization, where a single company dominates the market, reducing competition. This can result in unfair advantages, allowing the dominant company to dictate terms and conditions without regard for consumer needs. Regulatory bodies, like the Federal Trade Commission in the United States, work to prevent these practices to ensure a fair marketplace.