In fact, the earliest known use of discipline appears to be punishment-related; it first was used in the 13th century to refer to chastisement of a religious nature, such as self-flagellation.

DISCIPLINE definition: training to act in accordance with rules; drill. See examples of discipline used in a sentence.

DISCIPLINE meaning: 1. training that makes people more willing to obey or more able to control themselves, often in the…. Learn more.

Discipline is the self-control that is gained by requiring that rules or orders be obeyed, and the ability to keep working at something that is difficult. [1] Disciplinarians believe that such self-control is of the …

Sep 6, 2025 · As a noun, "discipline" refers to the practice of enforcing rules or a system of behavior through training, correction, or punishment. This usage is common in contexts like parenting, military, …

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.

v. [~ + object] to train by instruction and exercise; drill: His dog was disciplined by a professional trainer. to punish or penalize; correct: Those teachers weren't afraid to discipline their students. dis•ci•plined, …

Feb 1, 2026 · discipline (third-person singular simple present disciplines, present participle disciplining, simple past and past participle disciplined) (transitive) To train someone by instruction and practice.

Discipline is the practice of training or developing oneself or others to obey rules, guidelines, or a code of behavior. It can also refer to a system of rules and regulations set in place for maintaining order, …

When you have discipline, you have self-control. When you discipline children, you are either teaching them to be well-behaved, or you are punishing and correcting them.