Parole

Pronunciation

• enPR: pÉ™-rōlʹ, IPA: /pəˈroːl/
• UK IPA: pÉ™.ˈɹəʊɫ
• US IPA: pÉ™.ˈɹoÊŠÉ«
• Rhymes: -əʊl
• Hyphenation: pa + role

Origin

From Old French parole ("word, formal promise"), from Late Latin parabola ("speech")

Full definition of parole

Noun

1. The release or state of a former prisoner on the understanding that he/she checks in regularly and obeys the law.He will be on parole for nearly two more years.He was released on parole.The defendant shall be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
2. The amount of time a former prisoner spends on limited release.
3. (archaic) A word of honor, especially given by a prisoner of war, to not engage in combat if released.
• MacaulayThis man had forfeited his military parole.
4. (linguistics) Language in use, as opposed to language as a system.
5. (US, immigration law) The permission for foreigner who does not meet the technical requirements for a visa to be allowed to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.
6. A watchword given only to officers of guards; distinguished from the countersign, which is given to all guards.
7. (legal) An oral declaration; see parol.

Derived terms

• parole board
• parolee

Verb

1. (transitive) To release (a prisoner) on the understanding that s/he checks in regularly and obeys the law.----