probation

[ proh-bey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of testing.
2. the testing or trial of a person's conduct, character, qualifications, or the like.
3. the state or period of such testing or trial.
4. Law.
   1. a method of dealing with offenders, especially young persons guilty of minor crimes or first offenses, by allowing them to go at large under supervision of a probation officer.
   2. the state of having been conditionally released.
5. Education. a trial period or condition of students in certain educational institutions who are being permitted to redeem failures, misconduct, etc.
6. the testing or trial of a candidate for membership in a religious body or order, for holy orders, etc.
7. Archaic. proof.

probation

/ prəˈbeɪʃən /

noun

1. a system of dealing with offenders by placing them under the supervision of a probation officer
2. on probation
   1. under the supervision of a probation officer
   2. undergoing a test period
3. a trial period, as for a teacher, religious novitiate, etc
4. the act of proving or testing
5. a period during which a new employee may have his employment terminated on the grounds of unsuitability

Derived Forms

• proˈbationally, adverb
• proˈbational, adjective

Other Words From

• pro·ba·tion·al pro·ba·tion·ar·y [proh-, bey, -sh, uh, -ner-ee], adjective
• pro·ba·tion·ship noun
• non·pro·ba·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of probation¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English probacion, from Latin probātiōn- (stem of probātiō ); probate, -ion

Example Sentences

Another was spun the line that McDonald needed to be on shift at the probation service in the evenings.

From BBC

In truth, he was himself reporting to probation.

From BBC

But in addition to being placed on probation, USC was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.

From Los Angeles Times

Navy, was sentenced to five years of probation and 90 days in jail for grand theft of property on Jan. 25, 1994, in San Diego County Superior Court.

From Los Angeles Times

James Timpson is the minister in charge of England and Wales' prisons and probation services.

From BBC

Related Words

• trial