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laissez-faire

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laissez

Main Entry:: lais·sez–faire
Pronunciation:: \ˌle-ˌsā-ˈfer, ˌlā-, -ˌzā-\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: French laissez faire, imperative of laisser faire to let (people) do (as they choose)
Date:: 1825

1 : a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs beyond the minimum necessary for the maintenance of peace and property rights 2 : a philosophy or practice characterized by a usually deliberate abstention from direction or interference especially with individual freedom of choice and action

— laissez–faire adjective

Learn more about "laissez-faire" and related topics at Britannica.com

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