Parole

Quick meaning: Parole is a noun meaning (now historical) A word of honor, especially given by a prisoner of war, to not engage in combat if released.

Meaning

(now historical) A word of honor, especially given by a prisoner of war, to not engage in combat if released.

More Meanings

1. (linguistics) Language in use, as opposed to language as a system.
2. (law) Alternative form of parol.
3. (transitive, law) To release (a prisoner) on the understanding that s/he checks in regularly and obeys the law.
4. 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.
5. (now rare) A watchword or code phrase; (military) a password given only to officers, distinguished from the countersign, which is given to all guards.
6. (US, immigration law) 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.
7. (with on) 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.

Example Sentences

He was released on parole.

This man had forfeited his military parole.

He will be on parole for nearly two more years.

‘Classical quotation is the parole of literary men all over the world.’

Word Forms

• paroles
• paroling
• paroled

Synonyms for parole

Depending on context, synonyms include word, password, watchword, countersign.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include countersign, watchword, password, word, probation, bail.

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