probation

[proh-bey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of testing.

2. the testing or trial of a person's conduct, character, qualifications, or the like.

3. the state or period of such testing or trial.

4. Law.

   1. a method of dealing with offenders, especially young persons guilty of minor crimes or first offenses, by allowing them to go at large under supervision of a probation officer.

   2. the state of having been conditionally released.

5. Education.,  a trial period or condition of students in certain educational institutions who are being permitted to redeem failures, misconduct, etc.

6. the testing or trial of a candidate for membership in a religious body or order, for holy orders, etc.

7. Archaic.,  proof.

probation

/ prəˈbeɪʃən /

noun

1. a system of dealing with offenders by placing them under the supervision of a probation officer

2. 1. under the supervision of a probation officer

   2. undergoing a test period

3. a trial period, as for a teacher, religious novitiate, etc

4. the act of proving or testing

5. a period during which a new employee may have his employment terminated on the grounds of unsuitability

Other Word Forms

• probational adjective
• probationary adjective
• probationship noun
• nonprobation noun
• probationally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of probation¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English probacion, from Latin probātiōn- (stem of probātiō ); probate, -ion

Example Sentences

The owners will be required to demolish the homes by Aug. 7, 2026, or face probation, community service and a $25,000 fine.

From Los Angeles Times

In April, Los Angeles County agreed to a $4-billion tentative settlement involving 6,800 abuse claims, some of them going back to the 1980s, involving probation camps, juvenile halls and the MacLaren Children’s Center.

From Los Angeles Times

McGee’s disciplinary probation on campus lasts until the end of 2025, but working on the overdose bill has given him a new sense of purpose.

From Los Angeles Times

He was arrested in May 2021, court records show, and allegedly killed King two months before the district attorney’s office offered him a plea deal that placed him on probation.

From Los Angeles Times

After serving his four-day sentence, Cutler will be under supervised probation for 11 months and 29 days.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• trial