probation
proh-BAY-shun
/proʊˈbeɪʃən/
A period of supervision over an offender ordered by a court instead of serving time in prison.
Occurs INSTEAD of prison time (or as part of a suspended sentence); contrasts with parole, which occurs AFTER serving prison time.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'probatio' (testing or approval), derived from 'probare' (to prove). Probation is literally a period during which an individual must 'prove' good behavior.
Word relationships
- conditional release: 'Conditional release' is a broad term encompassing both probation and parole.
- incarceration: 'Incarceration' means immediate physical imprisonment.
Commonly confused with
- parole: Probation is serving a sentence under supervision in the community BEFORE or INSTEAD of jail; parole is release AFTER serving jail time.
Word family
- probationary (adjective): Relating to a process or period of testing and supervision.
- probationer (noun): A person on probation.
Collocations
- placed on probation
- probation officer
- violate probation
- probation period
Example sentences
- "Because it was her first minor offense, the judge granted two years of supervised probation." Criminal sentencing
- "New recruits must complete a three-month probation period before receiving full permanent contracts." Employment context
Memory hook
PROBATION is a PROVING period to prove you can stay out of jail. PROBATION = PROVE good behavior.
When not to use
Do not use 'probation' when referring to release after prison; that is 'parole'.
Fun facts
- The modern probation system was created in 1841 by John Augustus, a Boston shoemaker who volunteered to supervise minor offenders.
Related words
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