noun
parole
puh-ROH
noun
1
The early, conditional release of a prisoner who agrees to follow certain rules and report to an officer.
"He was granted parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence."
"Breaking the terms of her parole would send her straight back to prison."
verb
1
To release a prisoner early on the condition that they follow certain rules.
"The board voted to parole him after his good behaviour in prison."
How to Use Parole
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing let out of prison early, on the condition you stay out of trouble and check in regularly.
Common pairings
granted parole
on parole
parole board
violate parole
Word Forms
paroled past tense, paroles singular
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He was granted _____ after serving two-thirds of his sentence.
Etymology
From Middle French parole, "word, formal promise" — the idea being that a prisoner gives their "word" to behave.