Discipline Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of DISCIPLINE

1

[noncount]

a

:

control that is gained by requiring that rules or orders be obeyed and punishing bad behavior

• The teacher has a hard time maintaining discipline in the classroom.

b

:

a way of behaving that shows a willingness to obey rules or orders

• The troops were praised for their dedication and discipline.

c

:

behavior that is judged by how well it follows a set of rules or orders

• poor discipline
• maintaining good discipline

d

:

punishment for bad behavior

• Some parents feel that the school's principal has been too harsh in meting out discipline.

2

[noncount]

:

the ability to keep working at something that is difficult

• I tried learning the piano, but I lacked the discipline [=_self-discipline_] to stick with it.
• He doesn't have the discipline [=_self-control_] to stay on his diet.

3

[count]

:

an activity that is done regularly as a way of training yourself to do something or to improve your behavior

• Keeping a journal is a good discipline for a writer.

4

[count]

:

a field of study

:

a subject that is taught

• She has received training in several academic disciplines.

Britannica Dictionary definition of DISCIPLINE

[+ object]

1

:

to punish (someone) as a way of making sure that rules or orders are obeyed

• She was disciplined for misbehaving in class.
• He seems unwilling or unable to discipline his children.
• disciplining the troops

2

:

to train (yourself) to do something by controlling your behavior

• I'm trying to discipline myself to eat less.

— disciplined

adjective

[more disciplined; most disciplined]

• I'm not disciplined enough to exercise every day.
• We need a more disciplined approach if the program is to be successfully implemented.
• an orderly and disciplined mind