discipline meaning and definition

DISCIPLINE noun

Definition of discipline (noun)

1. a branch of knowledge
   • "in what discipline is his doctorate?"; "teachers should be well trained in their subject"; "anthropology is the study of human beings"
   • synonyms: bailiwick, field, field of study, study, subject, subject area, subject field
2. a system of rules of conduct or method of practice
   • "he quickly learned the discipline of prison routine"; "for such a plan to work requires discipline";
3. the trait of being well behaved
   • "he insisted on discipline among the troops"
   • antonym: indiscipline
4. training to improve strength or self-control
5. the act of punishing
   • "the offenders deserved the harsh discipline they received"
   • synonyms: correction

DISCIPLINE verb

Definition of discipline (verb)

1. develop (children's) behavior by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control
   • "Parents must discipline their children"; "Is this dog trained?"
   • synonyms: check, condition, train
2. punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience
   • "The teacher disciplined the pupils rather frequently"
   • synonyms: correct, sort out