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

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. See More
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 See More

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 6 Jun. 2023.

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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