What does parole mean?
Parole is a legal term with two closely related meanings. As a noun, it can refer to a prisoner's promise to behave lawfully and follow supervision requirements, or to the conditional early release granted because of that promise. As a verb, parole means to release a prisoner under these conditions. The concept is associated with the idea that a person can regain some freedom while remaining accountable to the authorities and the terms imposed by a parole board or supervising officer. In general usage, the word can also evoke a personal promise or assurance, especially in a formal or military setting. Parole is distinct from a pardon: a pardon formally cancels the remaining punishment, whereas parole permits conditional release from custody. The term is especially familiar through court reporting, criminal-justice policy, and discussions of prisoner rehabilitation and re-entry into society.
A prisoner's formal promise to abide by the law and comply with supervision, or the conditional early release granted on the basis of that promise.
"She was released on parole after completing a rehabilitation program."
The legal sense is more specific than a general promise and implies supervision or other enforceable conditions.
To release a prisoner before the end of the sentence on condition that the prisoner complies with specified legal and supervisory requirements.
"The governor decided to parole the prisoner after reviewing the case."
Usually used in legal, judicial, or administrative contexts.
The plural is uncommon; legal discussion usually uses the uncountable construction 'on parole'.
"The board granted early paroles to two eligible inmates."
Parole began as a word meaning 'speech' or 'word'; in law, a prisoner's promise became a promise of conditional freedom.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parole come from?
Parole comes from French, where parole means “word” or “speech.” It developed from the French parler, “to speak,” and ultimately from Latin parlare, “to speak.” The word was adopted in legal usage for a prisoner's promise of good behavior, and later came to denote the conditional release granted on the basis of that promise.
Related word forms
How parole is actually used
In legal contexts, parole refers to conditional release and is distinct from a pardon, which cancels the remainder of a sentence. The noun is generally formal, and the verb is idiomatic in legal and administrative English in both British and American use.
Easily confused with parole
Parole refers to a prisoner's conditional release or promise, whereas a parlor is a room, especially one used for conversation, reception, or business.