Probation

Definition - Noun
[Middle French, critical examination and evaluation, from Latin probation- probatio, from probare to test, approve, prove]
1 a  : 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
2 a  : 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 ~ shall be a matter of grace conferring no vested right to its continuance ­Michigan Statutes Annotated>
compare diversion parole
b  : probation as a sentence in itself
c  : the period or state of being subject to probation <arrested while on ~>
PronunciationprO-'bA-sh&n

Pronunciation Key

  • \&\ as a and u in a b ut
  • \[^&]\ as e in kitt en
  • \&r\ as ur and er in f urther
  • \a\ as a inash
  • \A\ as a in ace
  • \?\ as o in m op
  • \au\ as ou in ou t
  • \ch\ as ch in ch in
  • \e\ as e in bet
  • \E\ as ea in easy
  • \g\ as g in go
  • \i\ as i in hit
  • \I\ as i in ice
  • \j\ as j in job
  • \[ng]\ as ng in sing
  • \O\ as o in go
  • \o\ as aw in law
  • \oi\ as oy in boy
  • \th\ as th in thin
  • \[th_]\ as thin the
  • \?\ as oo in loot
  • \u\ as oo in foot
  • \y\ as y in yet
  • \zh\ as si in vision


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Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001.
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