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probation

noun
pro·​ba·​tion | \ prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio) \

Definition of probation

1 : critical examination and evaluation or subjection to such examination and evaluation
2a : 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
Other Words from probation Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about probation

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Other Words from probation

probational \ prō-​ˈbā-​shnəl How to pronounce probational (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl \ adjective
probationally adverb
probationary \ prō-​ˈbā-​shə-​ˌner-​ē How to pronounce probationary (audio) \ adjective

Examples of probation in a Sentence

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

 Under a plea deal, Flynn and his initial Covington & Burling defense team, led by Robert K. Kelner, agreed with prosecutors that a sentence of probation was appropriate, citing his substantial cooperation. — Washington Post, "Michael Flynn case: Security clearance dispute with prosecutors could delay sentencing," 30 Aug. 2019 Earley suspended the final 73 days of Turner’s sentence and placed him on five years of probation. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com, "Cleveland sex offender who was first to be convicted under Ohio bestiality law loses appeal," 25 Aug. 2019 Madison was sentenced on the misdemeanor count in July to one year of probation and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation as well as comply with its recommendations, according to Ramsey County Court records. — Sarah Horner, Twin Cities, "Most charges dropped against St. Paul woman accused of harassing her neighbor," 23 Aug. 2019 The Connecticut Post reports that Bridgeport Councilor Ernie Newton was sentenced to 18 months of probation this week after pleading guilty. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Councilor gets probation in campaign finance fraud case," 23 Aug. 2019 Emilio Testa, 32, a Boulder resident, was sentenced Thursday to one year and one day in prison, followed by 12 months of probation, according to a U.S. Attorney, District of Colorado, news release. — Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post, "Australian to serve one year, one day, in federal prison for money laundering through Bitcoin," 23 Aug. 2019 One man, sentenced by a county court to a single day of probation, was turned over to ICE and put into the deportation pipeline. — Ken Silverstein, The New Republic, "Shock Corridor," 19 Aug. 2019 According to The Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Aguilar was sentenced to 20 days in jail, 10 days of community service, and three years of probation. — Fox News, "California woman who slapped Trump supporter during 2017 rally convicted of battery," 17 Aug. 2019 Rajaram was sentenced in 2017 to three years of probation. — Jason Meisner, chicagotribune.com, "The feds once seized her cellphone, a line of people want to replace her and now Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown says she won’t seek reelection," 13 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'probation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of probation

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for probation

Middle English probacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French probation, from Latin probation-, probatio, from probare

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More Definitions for probation

probation

noun
How to pronounce probation (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of probation

: a situation or period of time in which a person who is starting a new job is tested and watched to see if that person is able to do the job properly
law : a situation or period of time in which a person who has committed a crime is allowed to stay out of prison if that person behaves well, does not commit another crime, etc.
US : a situation or period of time in which a person who has made a serious mistake or done something bad is watched and must behave well in order not to be seriously punished

See the full definition for probation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

probation

noun
pro·​ba·​tion | \ prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio) \

Kids Definition of probation

1 : the condition of being closely watched and evaluated for a period of time or the period of time during which this happens
2 : the early release of a prisoner on certain conditions

probation

noun
pro·​ba·​tion | \ prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio) \

Legal Definition of probation

1a : 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
2a : 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

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