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

As a condition of her probation, Zandvliet will not be allowed to write any vaccine exemptions – which had become a significant part of her practice in South Park.

From Voice of San Diego

The probation applies to her medical license, which could be revoked if she does not follow the terms of the probation.

From Voice of San Diego

The Tallahassee Democrat reported McDade reportedly pleaded with a judge for mental health treatment after his arrest on a probation violation.

From Washington Blade

By the end of the fall 2014 semester, I was on academic probation and I had received a final warning for my attendance at my job.

From Fortune

The classic example is the COMPAS software used by US judges, probation, and parole officers to rate a person’s risk of re-offending.

From Singularity Hub 

He plead guilty in a plea deal and was punished only with five years of probation.

From The Daily Beast

Matson was sentenced to eight months in prison and served 15 days with one year of probation.

From The Daily Beast

Hardy was given a 60-day suspended sentence and put on probation for 18 months.

From The Daily Beast

After a couple of months probation to see if you act right, Captain Bilal welcomes you in.

From The Daily Beast

Bartiromo was released from prison in July 2010, this time with no probation.

From The Daily Beast

I will set a curb upon my impatience afterwards, and go through my period of ah—probation without murmuring.

From Project Gutenberg

He was still on the probation lists, but I could see that he had the making of a fine cop in him.

From Project Gutenberg

It was only that they were waiting for the end of the two years of probation, she supposed, and they were nearly over now.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a time early in her probation when she thought seriously that if it were not Stephen Arnold it should be this.

From Project Gutenberg

If any one failed to be up to the mark during his year of probation, no one taunted him, nor was he despised.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• trial