First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
probation
noun pro·ba·tion \prō-ˈbā-shən\
: 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.
: 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
Full Definition of PROBATION
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
— pro·ba·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
— pro·ba·tion·al·ly adverb
— pro·ba·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective
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Origin of PROBATION
Middle English probacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French probation, from Latin probation-, probatio, from probare
Related to PROBATION
- Synonyms
- delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, inquiry, probe, probing, research, study
Other Legal Terms
PROBATION Defined for Kids
probation
noun pro·ba·tion \prō-ˈbā-shən\
Definition of PROBATION for Kids
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
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