laissez-faire

noun

lais·​sez-faire ˌle-ˌsā-ˈfer How to pronounce laissez-faire (audio)
ˌlā-,
-ˌzā- How to pronounce laissez-faire (audio)
1
: a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs beyond the minimum necessary for the maintenance of peace and property rights
argued that the problem with oil prices was too much laissez-faire
2
: a philosophy or practice characterized by a usually deliberate abstention from direction or interference especially with individual freedom of choice and action
the university has a policy of laissez-faire regarding nonacademic student activities
laissez-faire adjective

Did you know?

The French phrase laissez faire literally means “allow to do,” with the idea being “let people do as they choose.” The origins of laissez-faire are associated with the Physiocrats, a group of 18th-century French economists who believed that government policy should not interfere with the operation of natural economic laws. (The actual coiner of the phrase may have been French economist Vincent de Gournay, or it may have been François Quesnay, who is considered the group’s founder and leader.) The original phrase was “laissez faire, laissez passer,” with the second part meaning “let (things) pass.” Laissez-faire, which first showed up in an English context in the first half of the 19th century, can still mean “a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs,” but it is also used in broader contexts in which a “hands-off” or “anything-goes” policy or attitude is adopted. It is frequently used as an adjective meaning “favoring a ‘hands-off’ policy,” as in “laissez-faire economics.”

Examples of laissez-faire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But freeing Ulbricht remained a big issue for libertarians like Clarke, who, given their laissez-faire philosophy, embraced pro-crypto policy before most Republicans or Democrats. Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 Another question is how much success the more laissez-faire members of Trump’s circle, like Elon Musk, have in shaping policy. David Leonhardt, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 Interview Dems' laissez-faire approach to immigration cost them the presidency: Lee Fang Trump, Elon cozy up at 6th SpaceX launch; rivals Musk and Jeff Bezos find common ground RFK Jr attacked for saying Covid-19 pandemic ‘may’ have been planned?! The Hill, 20 Nov. 2024 Michaels has changed his laissez-faire attitude toward substance abuse. Susan Morrison, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for laissez-faire 

Word History

Etymology

French laissez faire, imperative of laisser faire to let (people) do (as they choose)

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of laissez-faire was in 1814

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Cite this Entry

“Laissez-faire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laissez-faire. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

laissez-faire

noun
lais·​sez-faire
ˌle-ˌsā-ˈfa(ə)r,
ˌlā-,
-ˌzā-,
-ˈfe(ə)r
: a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs
laissez-faire adjective
Etymology

from the French phrase laissez faire "let (people) do (as they choose)"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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