probation
probation Lexical Profile
probation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision rather than serving time in prison.
"The judge sentenced the first-time offender to two years of supervised probation and community service."
A process or period of testing the character, qualifications, or abilities of a new employee, student, or candidate in a certain role.
"All newly hired software engineers must complete a three-month probation before receiving full company benefits."
North American A formal status given to a student whose academic performance or conduct falls below an institution's required standards, during which they must improve to avoid suspension or expulsion.
"After his grade point average dropped below the minimum requirement, the university placed him on academic probation for the spring semester."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'probation' with 'parole'; probation is a court-ordered alternative to imprisonment, whereas parole is the conditional early release of a prisoner after serving part of a prison sentence.
• Rhymes for probation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French probation and directly from Latin probatio ('an examination, trial, or testing'), derived from the verb probare ('to test, prove, or approve').