laissez faire
or lais·ser faire
the theory or system of government that upholds the autonomous character of the economic order, believing that government should intervene as little as possible in the direction of economic affairs.
the practice or doctrine of noninterference in the affairs of others, especially with reference to individual conduct or freedom of action.
Origin of laissez faire
1Other definitions for laissez-faire (2 of 2)
or lais·ser-faire
of, relating to, or conforming to the principles or practices of laissez faire.
Origin of laissez-faire
2Other words from laissez-faire
- laissez-faireism, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use laissez faire in a sentence
Being an ultra-individualist, he is in favour of laisser faire, where laisser faire is most indefensible and most disastrous.
Outspoken Essays | William Ralph IngeShe attacks the laisser faire school of economists, “which being interpreted means Let bad alone.”
The Life of Florence Nightingale vol. 2 of 2 | Edward Tyas CookBut we must face that: in such crowded and poverty ridden civilizations as ours any orthodoxy is better than laisser-faire.
The Doctor's Dilemma: Preface on Doctors | George Bernard ShawIt repudiates the doctrine of laisser-faire, and in the study of political economy adopts the historical method.
Why I am opposed to socialism | VariousIt advocated a policy of laisser-faire in trade: it held that everything would adjust itself.
A history of China., [3d ed. rev. and enl.] | Wolfram Eberhard
British Dictionary definitions for laissez faire
laisser faire
/ (ˌlɛseɪ ˈfɛə, French lese fɛr) /
Also called: individualism the doctrine of unrestricted freedom in commerce, esp for private interests
(as modifier): a laissez-faire economy
indifference or noninterference, esp in the affairs of others
Origin of laissez faire
1Derived forms of laissez faire
- laissez-faireism or laisser-faireism, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for laissez-faire
[ (les-ay-fair, lay-zay-fair) ]
French for “Let (people) do (as they choose).” It describes a system or point of view that opposes regulation or interference by the government in economic affairs beyond the minimum necessary to allow the free enterprise system to operate according to its own laws.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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