probation
proh-BAY-shun
/prəʊˈbeɪʃn/
The release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision.
Probation happens instead of going to prison, whereas 'parole' happens after serving part of a prison sentence.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'probare', meaning 'to test' or 'to prove'. A person on probation is being 'tested' to see if they can behave well in society without being locked up.
Word relationships
- trial period: Trial period is the general term; probation is the specific legal or professional term.
- incarceration: Incarceration is confinement; probation is supervised freedom.
Commonly confused with
- parole: Probation is a sentence served in the community; parole is early release from prison.
Word family
- probationary (adjective): Relating to a period of probation.
Collocations
- on probation
- probation officer
- violate probation
Example sentences
- "Since it was his first offense, the judge sentenced him to three years of probation instead of jail time." Criminal Law
- "New employees are on probation for the first three months to ensure they are a good fit for the team." Workplace
Memory hook
PROBATION: You are being 'PROBED' (tested) to see if you can stay out of trouble. A test of good behavior.
When not to use
In a workplace, 'probation' refers to a trial period for a new employee; don't confuse the two contexts.
Fun facts
- The concept of probation was started by a Boston shoemaker named John Augustus in 1841, who convinced a judge to let him supervise a 'drunkard' instead of sending him to jail.
Related words
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