parole
parole Lexical Profile
parole Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of a sentence, subject to regular supervision and good behavior.
"After serving five years of his sentence, the inmate became eligible for parole."
A solemn promise or word of honor given by a prisoner of war not to escape or resume fighting if released or granted greater freedom.
"The captured officer gave his parole that he would not attempt to flee the camp."
In Saussurean linguistics, actual concrete utterances or individual speech acts, as contrasted with the abstract system of a language (langue).
"In structural linguistics, researchers analyze concrete instances of parole to understand the underlying rules of langue."
• verb
To release (a prisoner) on parole prior to the expiration of a sentence.
"The state board voted to parole the offender after reviewing his rehabilitation record."
Word Nuance & Usage
In legal usage, 'parole' is often confused with 'probation'; parole is the conditional early release of a prisoner after serving part of a prison sentence, whereas probation is an alternative sentence served in the community instead of going to prison.
• Rhymes for parole
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from French 'parole' ('word, speech'), shortened from 'parole d'honneur' ('word of honor'), ultimately from Late Latin 'parabola' ('speech, parable') and Ancient Greek 'parabolē' ('comparison').