Probation

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ËŒproʊˈbeɪʃən/
• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Origin

From French probation, from Latin probatio ("a trying, inspection, examination"), from probare, past participle probatus ("to test, examine"); see probate, probe, prove.

Full definition of probation

Noun

1. A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may easily be removed for poor performanceYou'll be on probation for first six months. After that, if you work out, they'll hire you permanently.
2. A type of sentence where convicted criminals are allowed to continue living in the community but will automatically be sent to jail if they violate certain conditionsHe got two years probation for robbery.
3. (archaic) The act of testing; proof
• 1661, Robert Boyle, , page 20,And I shall proceed to consider the testimony of Experience, when I shall have first advertis'd You, that if Men were as perfectly rational as 'tis to be wish'd they were, this sensible way of Probation would be as needless as 'tis wont to be imperfect.
• William Shakespeare, , lines 148-156,And then it started like a guilty thing
  Upon a fearful summons. I have heard,
  The cock, that is the trumpet to the morn,
  Doth with his lofty and shrill-sounding throat
  Awake the god of day; and, at his warning,
  Whether in sea or fire, in earth or air
  The extravagant and erring spirit hies
  To his confine: and of the truth herein
  This present object made probation.

Derived terms

• probationary
• probation officer
• academic probation

Related terms

• probate
• probe
• prove