probation
pro-BAY-shun
/prəˈbeɪʃən/
The release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision.
It is a form of 'conditional liberty.' It differs from parole, which is release after serving part of a prison sentence.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'probare', meaning 'to test' or 'to prove.' When you are on probation, you are being 'tested' to see if you can behave well enough to stay out of jail. It's the same root as 'probe' and 'prove.'
Word relationships
- trial period: Trial period is used in general contexts, while probation is the specific legal and professional term.
- incarceration: Incarceration is being locked up; probation is being free under supervision.
Commonly confused with
- parole: Probation happens instead of jail; parole happens after some jail time has been served.
Word family
- probationary (adjective): Relating to a period of probation.
- probate (verb): To prove a will (distinct but related root).
Collocations
- probation officer
- violate probation
- on probation
Example sentences
- "The judge decided on two years of probation rather than a term in a youth detention center." Legal sentencing.
- "New employees are typically on probation for the first three months of their contract." Workplace context.
Memory hook
Probation is a 'probe' into your behavior. A test of your character.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'probate,' which deals with the wills of deceased people.
Fun facts
- The first 'probation officer' was a Boston cobbler named John Augustus, who in 1841 convinced a judge to let a 'drunkard' into his care instead of jail.
Related words
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