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 definition: 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 …

A discipline is a particular area of study, especially a subject of study in a college or university.

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, …

There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun discipline, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

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.

• Most of us were brought up to accept discipline, and to discipline ourselves. • Differences between disciplines are not, of course, hard and fast even though, at times, they can become crucial.

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.