probation

noun

pro·​ba·​tion prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio)
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 How to pronounce probation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective
probationally adverb
probationary adjective

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 Ethan Diaz, 22, of New Jersey reached the plea agreement in a Florida court in September and was sentenced to five years in prison followed by five years of supervised probation, according to court documents. Reuters, NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024 During sentencing, Judge R. Lee Smith ordered him to spend five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised probation, online records show. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 In that case, the offender, a former chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, was sentenced to four years of probation. Caitlyn Kim, The Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2024 The assailants did not serve prison time and the judge's sentence of probation sparked Asian American communities, locally and nationally, to call for equality, justice and an end to racial discrimination. Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for probation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'probation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of probation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near probation

Cite this Entry

“Probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probation. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

probation

noun
pro·​ba·​tion prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio)
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 How to pronounce probation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
probationary adjective

Legal Definition

probation

noun
pro·​ba·​tion prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio)
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 continuanceMichigan 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 adjective
probationally adverb
probationary adjective
Etymology

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

More from Merriam-Webster on probation

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