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

Example Sentences

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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, DeSantis signed a bill making ballot harvesting a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and up to five years of probation. —Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 1 June 2023

Kirplani also ordered Leonard to serve five years of probation once released from prison, according to court records. —John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 1 June 2023

McKenna sentenced Townsend to serve 35 years in prison and 10 years of probation after she’s released. —Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 31 May 2023

Robinson had been unable to secure a work visa after he was sentenced to 18 months’ probation. —Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 29 May 2023

Newby was sentenced to probation and is now appealing his conviction. —Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 26 May 2023

Under Bowser’s proposal, agencies supervising those on parole, probation or pretrial supervision would be required to share GPS data from ankle monitors with police investigators and prosecutors. —Emily Davies, Washington Post, 15 May 2023

Crystal Smith, 37, was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 5 years of probation for the crime, a 3rd-degree felony, the state attorney’s office for Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit said in a statement. —Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 12 May 2023

In most other counties, more than half of these children would have received probation rather than wait in the detention center for a decision. —Josephine Peterson, Dallas News, 12 May 2023

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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

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

• put/placed on probation
• probation officer
• 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