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View synonyms for laissez faire

laissez faire

1
or lais·ser faire

[ les-ey fair; French le-sey fer ]

noun

  1. 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.
  2. the practice or doctrine of noninterference in the affairs of others, especially with reference to individual conduct or freedom of action.


laissez-faire

2
or lais·ser-faire

[ les-ey-fair; French le-sey-fer ]

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or conforming to the principles or practices of laissez faire.

laissez faire

/ lese fɛr; ˌlɛseɪ ˈfɛə /

noun

    1. Also calledindividualism the doctrine of unrestricted freedom in commerce, esp for private interests
    2. ( as modifier )

      a laissez-faire economy

  1. indifference or noninterference, esp in the affairs of others


laissez-faire

  1. 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.


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Derived Forms

  • ˌlaissez-ˈfaireism, noun

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Other Words From

  • laissez-faireism noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of laissez faire1

1815–25; < French: literally, allow to act

Origin of laissez faire2

First recorded in 1815–25

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Word History and Origins

Origin of laissez faire1

French, literally: let (them) act

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Example Sentences

The second reason the government has adopted such a laissez-faire attitude toward drug producers is an economic one.

“This guy is a real challenge to the whole libertarian-leaning laissez-faire political idea,” says Winters of Francis.

In an era when government oversight was almost nonexistent and laissez-faire capitalism was in its heyday, Kennedy excelled.

Given the distrust the military has for the press, it is surprising to see how laissez-faire the general is with Hastings.

Instead, he prefers an entirely laissez-faire approach to job-destroying financial crises.

And the maxim of laissez faire became the last word of social wisdom.

They knew perfectly well the laissez-faire relations which obtained between the two Westerners.

Mazzini carefully dissociated himself alike from the laissez-faire school and a despotic state socialism.

They represent the laissez faire doctrine as applied to advertising.

The period of laissez faire in imperial matters, of Little Englandism, drew to a close in the early eighties.

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