[lais.sez-faire] n [F laissez faire, imper. of laisser faire to let (people) do (as they choose)] (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 usu. deliberate abstention from direction or interference esp. with individual freedom of choice and action -- laissez-faire adj