What is probation mean Meaning and Definition
What is probation mean
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪsnəˌbeɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Probation is a period during which a person is released from prison or held in a correctional facility but allowed to live in the community under specific conditions as part of their sentence. It is a form of punishment and rehabilitation aimed at helping the individual reform and reintegrate into society.
Examples
- The judge sentenced the defendant to two years of probation with community service.
- Probation officers regularly checked in with the individual to ensure they were meeting the conditions of their sentence.
Synonyms
- Parole
- Community service
Antonyms
- Imprisonment
- Fining
Etymology
The term ‘probation’ originated in the 14th century from the Latin word ‘probatio’, meaning ‘proof’ or ‘test’. It referred to a trial or a means of testing an individual’s character or abilities.
Usage Notes
The term ‘probation’ is often used in legal and judicial contexts. It can be used in formal or informal writing, but it is more commonly used in spoken language.
Cultural References
Probation has been featured in various forms of media, such as TV shows like ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘The Wire’, and movies like ’12 Angry Men’.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases related to probation include ‘on probation’, ‘to be on parole’, and ‘probation officer’.
Related Words or Phrases
Some words or phrases closely related to ‘probation’ include ‘sentence’, ‘parole’, ‘community service’, and ‘rehabilitation’.
Collocations
Some common collocations with ‘probation’ include ‘community service’, ‘sentence’, and ‘parole officer’.
Frequency of Use
The term ‘probation’ is relatively common in modern language, particularly in legal and judicial contexts. However, it is not as frequently used as other terms like ‘sentence’ or ‘prison’.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of ‘probation’ include ‘probationary’, ‘probational’, and ‘probationee’.