laissez-faire
eɪ ˈfɛər; 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.
Also, laisser faire.
Origin:
1815–25; < French: literally, allow to act
1815–25; < French: literally, allow to act
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Laissez-faire
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Collins
World English Dictionary
laissez faire or laisser faire (ˌlɛseɪ ˈfɛə, French lese fɛr, ˌlɛseɪ ˈfɛə, French lese fɛr) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | a. Also called: individualism the doctrine of unrestricted freedom in commerce, esp for private interests |
| b. (as modifier): a laissez-faire economy | |
| 2. | indifference or noninterference, esp in the affairs of others |
| [French, literally: let (them) act] | |
| laisser faire or laisser faire | |
| —n | |
| [French, literally: let (them) act] | |
| laissez-'faireism or laisser faire | |
| —n | |
| laisser-'faireism or laisser faire | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
laissez-faire
1825, also laissez faire, from Fr., lit. "let (people) do (as they think best)," from laissez, imperative of laisser "to let" + faire "to do" (from L. facere; see factitious). From the phrase laissez faire et laissez passer, motto of certain 18c. French economists, chosen
to express the ideal of government non-interference in business and industry.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary
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 American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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