WordWeb Online

1. A trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership
    
2. A trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself
    
3. (law) a way of dealing with offenders without imprisoning them; a defendant found guilty of a crime is released by the court without imprisonment subject to conditions imposed by the court
   "probation is part of the sentencing process"

Derived forms: probations

See also: probate, probationary

Type of: freeing, liberation, release, test period, trial period

Encyclopedia: Probation