probation
proh-BAY-shuhn
/proʊˈbeɪ.ʃən/
A judicial sentence allowing an offender to remain in the community under supervision rather than going to prison; or a trial period for a new employee.
Probation is an alternative to imprisonment handed down at original sentencing, requiring strict compliance to stay out of jail.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'probatio' (testing or proof), from 'probare' (to test or prove good). It entered legal English as a period during which an offender's character and conduct are tested.
Word relationships
- trial period: Trial period is non-legal for testing ability; probation can be legal supervision or employment testing.
- imprisonment: Imprisonment is actual confinement in jail or prison.
Commonly confused with
- parole: Probation avoids prison at the start; parole releases someone who has already served part of a prison term.
Word family
- probationary (adjective): Relating to or subject to a period of testing or trial.
- probationer (noun): A person placed on probation.
Collocations
- probation officer
- place on probation
- probationary period
- breach of probation
Idioms & expressions
- on probation
Example sentences
- "The judge sentenced the first-time offender to two years of probation and community service." Judicial sentencing
- "New recruits undergo a six-month probation period before receiving full tenure." Employment context
Memory hook
PROBATION = PROVING your good behavior during a testing period. Probation = Prove you can behave.
When not to use
Do not confuse with parole, which comes AFTER time served in prison.
Fun facts
- Boston shoemaker John Augustus is considered the 'Father of Probation'—in 1841 he bailed out a drunkard and agreed to supervise him, founding modern probation.
Related words
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