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
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share