parole
UK[pəˈrəʊl]US[pəˈroʊl]
n
the release of a prisoner temporarily (for a special purpose) or permanently before the completion of a sentence, on the promise of good behaviour.
n
a promise or undertaking given by a prisoner of war to return to custody or not to escape, or by a person granted parole to fulfil certain conditions.
v
release (a prisoner) on parole.
Etymology
the word 'parole' entered english in the 17th century from the french 'parole', meaning "word, speech, promise". this french term itself derives from the late latin 'parabola', meaning "speech, discourse", which was a specialized use of the latin 'parabola' meaning "comparison, parable". the latin word originates from the greek 'parabolē' (παραβολή), literally "a placing beside, comparison", from 'para-' ("beside") and 'bolē' ("a throwing"). the semantic journey from "comparison" to "speech" and finally to a "promise" given by one's word is clear. in a military and later legal context, this "word of honour" became specifically associated with the conditional release of a prisoner based on their pledged good conduct.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from french. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller, independent morphemes using its current english spelling.
Examples
the prisoner was granted parole after serving ten years of his sentence.
he broke the terms of his parole and was sent back to prison.
the officer had to parole the captured soldiers based on their solemn oath.