probation
proh-BAY-shun
/proʊˈbeɪʃn/
A period of supervision over an offender, ordered by the court instead of serving time in prison, or a trial period in employment.
In legal contexts, it is an alternative to prison sentence. In workplace contexts, it means a trial testing period.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'probatio' (testing or approval), derived from 'probare' (to test or prove good). It entered English in the 14th century referring to testing religious candidates before taking vows, later expanding to trial periods in employment and court sentencing.
Word relationships
- trial period: 'Trial period' is used in business; 'probation' carries formal legal or disciplinary weight.
- imprisonment: Direct physical confinement as sentence.
Commonly confused with
- parole: Probation avoids jail time from the start; parole releases someone who is already in prison.
Word family
- probationary (adjective): Relating to or subject to a period of probation.
- probationer (noun): A person serving a probation period.
Collocations
- sentence to probation
- probation period
- probation officer
- violate probation
Idioms & expressions
- on probation
Example sentences
- "Because it was her first offense, the judge sentenced her to three years of probation." Criminal Sentencing
- "New employees undergo a six-month probation period before receiving full benefits." Employment Contract
Memory hook
PROBAtion is a time to PROVE you can behave. PROVE yourself on probation.
When not to use
Do not confuse with parole, which requires prior prison time served.
Fun facts
- The legal concept of probation was created in 1841 by John Augustus, a Boston shoemaker who convinced a court to let a drunkard go under his personal supervision.
Related words
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