probation

noun

pro·​ba·​tion prō-ˈbā-shən 

1

: critical examination and evaluation or subjection to such examination and evaluation

2

a

: subjection of an individual to a period of testing and trial to ascertain fitness (as for a job or school)

b

: the action of suspending the sentence of a convicted offender and giving the offender freedom during good behavior under the supervision of a probation officer

c

: the state or a period of being subject to probation

probational

prō-ˈbā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

probationally adverb

probationary

prō-ˈbā-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• delving
• disquisition
• examen
• examination
• exploration
• inquest
• inquiry
• inquisition
• investigation
• probe
• probing
• research
• study

Examples of probation in a Sentence

As a new employee, I will be on probation for three months.

He hoped that the judge would grant him probation.

He was sentenced to one year's probation.

He was sent back to prison for violating his probation.

She was arrested while on probation.

Instead of firing her, they put her on probation.

The student was placed on probation for copying test answers.

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to his 12-year sentence, Bankroll Freddie has been ordered to serve three years supervised probation and to pay a $242,000 money judgement, KARK reported. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Nov. 2024

In Cochise County, Arizona, a Republican supervisor who declined to certify the 2022 midterm election pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge last month, with her probation agreement requiring her to certify the upcoming election. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024

Atlanta rap star Young Thug changed his plea to guilty Thursday in Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial, but averted prison time with probation, bringing a stunning close to a chapter of a case that has riveted court watchers for nearly two years. —Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024

Whitaker ordered that Williams remain away from the metropolitan Atlanta area beginning two days following his release from custody for the first 10 years of his probation. —Nick Valencia, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English probacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French probation, from Latin probation-, probatio, from probare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing probation

• on probation
• probation officer
• put/placed on probation

Kids Definition

probation

noun

pro·​ba·​tion prō-ˈbā-shən 

1

: a period of trial for finding out or testing a person's fitness (as for a job or school)

2

: the suspending of a convicted offender's sentence during good behavior under the supervision of a probation officer

probational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

probationary

-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Legal Definition

probation

noun

pro·​ba·​tion prō-ˈbā-shən 

1

a

: subjection to a period of evaluation and possible termination at the commencement of employment in a position for which one's fitness is to be determined

b

: subjection to a period of review in the course of employment or education as a result of a violation of standards and with the possibility of dismissal if standards are not met

2

a

: the suspension of all or part of a sentence and its replacement by freedom subject to specific conditions and the supervision of a probation officer

it is the intent of the legislature that the granting of probation shall be a matter of grace conferring no vested right to its continuance

—Michigan Statutes Annotated

called also community supervision

compare diversion, parole

b

: probation as a sentence in itself

c

: the period or state of being subject to probation

arrested while on probation

probational

-shə-nəl 

adjective

probationally adverb

probationary

-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Etymology

Middle French, critical examination and evaluation, from Latin probation-, probatio, from probare to test, approve, prove