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 entails executing habits precisely as intended, enhancing the likelihood of accomplishment and overcoming competing behaviors. Acting promptly exemplifies discipline, while habits are built …

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

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

If you refer to an activity or situation as a discipline, you mean that, in order to be successful in it, you need to behave in a strictly controlled way and obey particular rules or standards.

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.

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.

Definition of discipline noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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, …