Discipline definition

dĭsə-plĭn
disciplined disciplines disciplining
See word origin
Frequency:
Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.

Was raised in the strictest discipline.

noun
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A set of rules or methods, as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order.
noun
43
7
A branch of knowledge or learning.
noun
32
6
To subject to discipline; train; control.
verb
26
5
To train by instruction and practice, as in following rules or developing self-control.

The sergeant disciplined the recruits to become soldiers.

verb
27
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Discipline is defined as a field of study or is training to fix incorrect behavior or create better skills.

An example of discipline is American literature.

An example of discipline is a time out for a child who has just pushed his sibling.

noun
12
0
Punishment intended to correct or train.

Subjected to harsh discipline.

noun
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10
A state of order based on submission to authority.
noun
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noun
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To teach someone to obey authority.
verb
3
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To punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience.
verb
10
8
noun
7
5
To impose order on.

Needed to discipline their study habits.

verb
6
4
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A punishment to train or maintain control.
noun
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A system of rules, as for a church or monastic order.
noun
6
5
To train someone by instruction and practice.
verb
4
3
Treatment that corrects or punishes.
noun
2
1
To impose order on someone.
verb
2
1
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A branch of knowledge or teaching.

The discipline of mathematics.

noun
1
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Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order.

Military discipline.

noun
1
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Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self-control.

Dieting takes a lot of discipline.

noun
1
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A state of order based on submission to rules and authority.

A teacher who demanded discipline in the classroom.

noun
1
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The result of such training or control.
  • Self-control or orderly conduct.
  • Acceptance of or submission to authority and control.
noun
4
4
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Training that develops self-control, character, or orderliness and efficiency.
noun
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1
noun
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noun
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A category in which a certain art, sport or other activity belongs.
noun
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To punish someone in order to (re)gain control.
verb
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The definition of discipline is to punish someone for their behavior.

An example of discipline is to give detention to a student who keeps talking during lectures.

verb
2
3
Strict control to enforce obedience.
noun
0
1
0
1
To punish.
verb
6
8
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
discipline
Plural:
disciplines

Origin of discipline

  • Middle English from Old French descepline from Latin disciplīna from discipulus pupil disciple

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Middle English, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French descipline, from Latin disciplina (“instruction”) and discipulus (“pupil”), from discere (“to learn”), from Proto-Indo-European *dek- (“(cause to) accept”).

    From Wiktionary

Discipline Sentence Examples

  • The discipline was there before the Reformers.

  • Sirian's coldness had never struck her as anything but rigid discipline and cool thinking.

  • The discipline was strict.

  • His great object was discipline.

  • Entire conformity with the Scottish Church was maintained, and strict discipline was enforced by pastoral visitations, kirk-sessions and presbyteries.

More sentences

Related articles

Words near discipline in the Dictionary