| 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, esp. with reference to individual conduct or freedom of action. |

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.
laissez-faire