What does "parole" mean?
Originally, one's oath or word of honour, given as a condition of release from custody; now specifically, describing the release of a former prisoner under certain conditions, especially the promise of good behaviour.
Parole
/pəˈɹoʊl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Originally, one's oath or word of honour, given as a condition of release from custody; now specifically, describing the release of a former prisoner under certain conditions, especially the promise of good behaviour.
- Grammar: parole is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: word of honor, accent, accents, assurance.
- Useful contrasts: breach of promise, carry out a project, confine.
- Usage evidence: For the crime of first degree murder, this court hereby sentences you to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
How to use "parole"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "parole" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "parole" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "parole" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "parole" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "parole" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "word of honor" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "parole", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Originally, one's oath or word of honour, given as a condition of release from custody; now specifically, describing the release of a former prisoner under certain conditions, especially the promise of good behaviour. uncountable, usually, with-on
"He will be on parole for nearly two more years."
- 2 (law) a conditional release from imprisonment that entitles the person to serve the remainder of the sentence outside the prison as long as the terms of release are complied with wordnet
- 3 Conditional release of a prisoner (now especially before the end of a custodial sentence), or the term or state of such release; the system governing such releases. uncountable, usually
"A Minnesota woman who killed her 6-year-old son will now spend the rest of her life in prison without the possibility of parole."
- 4 a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group wordnet
- 5 A word of honor, especially given by a prisoner of war, to not engage in combat if released. historical, uncountable, usually
"This man had forfeited his military parole."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 a promise wordnet
- 7 A watchword or code phrase; (military) a password given only to officers, distinguished from the countersign, which is given to all guards. archaic, uncountable, usually
"‘Classical quotation is the parole of literary men all over the world.’"
- 8 Language in use, as opposed to language as a system. uncountable, usually
- 9 The permission for a foreigner who does not meet the technical requirements for a visa to be allowed to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds. US, uncountable, usually
- 10 Alternative form of parol. alt-of, alternative, uncountable, usually
Verb
- 1 To release (a prisoner) on the understanding that s/he checks in regularly and obeys the law. transitive
"Whitelaw was allowed to continue to San Francisco. There, INS officials assigned Whitelaw a temporary status for "deferred examination," and "paroled" him into the U.S., permitting him to stay for his planned five-week vacation."
- 2 release a criminal from detention and place them on parole wordnet
- 3 To be released on parole. intransitive
"I am a gay guy that likes S&M, and am looking for a master out on the streets to write me in here. I would like to parole to NYC some day if I can."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"For the crime of first degree murder, this court hereby sentences you to life in prison without the possibility of parole."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "parole"?
Common synonyms include: word of honor, accent, accents, assurance, avouch, avouchment.
How do you use "parole" in a sentence?
For the crime of first degree murder, this court hereby sentences you to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
How do you pronounce "parole"?
Pronounced /pəˈɹoʊl/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French parole (“word, formal promise”), from Old French parole, from Late Latin parabola (“speech”), from Ancient Greek παραβολή (parabolḗ). Doublet of parabola, parable, and palaver.