Dictionary

discipline

Etymology

From , from Anglo-Norman -, from Old French descipline, from Latin disciplina, from discipulus ("pupil"), influenced by disco ("to learn"), from Proto-Indo-European *dek-.

Pronunciation

(British) IPA: /ˈdɪs.ɪ.plɪn/
(America) IPA: /ˈdɪs.ə.plɪn/, /ˈdɪs.ə.plən/

Noun

discipline

A controlled behaviour; self-control.
- a. 1729, John Rogers, The Difficulties of Obtaining Salvation:
  The most perfect, who have their passions in the best discipline, are yet obliged to be constantly on their guard.
1. An enforced compliance or control.
2. A systematic method of obtaining obedience.
  - 1871, Charles John Smith, Synonyms Discriminated:
    Discipline aims at the removal of bad habits and the substitution of good ones, especially those of order, regularity, and obedience.
  - 1973, Bible (New International Version), Hebrews 12:7:
    Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
3. A state of order based on submission to authority.
  - 1697, Virgil, “The Second Book of the Georgics”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC ↗:
    Their wildness lose, and, quitting nature's part, / Obey the rules and discipline of art.
4. A set of rules regulating behaviour.
5. A punishment to train or maintain control.
  - 1712 October 13 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison; Richard Steele et al.], “THURSDAY, October 2, 1712”, in The Spectator, number 499; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume V, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, →OCLC ↗:
    giving her the discipline of the strap
    The spelling has been modernized.
  1. (Catholicism) A whip used for self-flagellation.
  2. A flagellation as a means of obtaining sexual gratification.
A specific branch of knowledge, learning, or practice.
1. A category in which a certain art, sport or other activity belongs.