Discipline Meaning

UK /ˈdɪsɪplɪn/
US /ˈdɪsəplɪn/
Word Definition
discipline meaning

Discipline Definition & Usage

noun

The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.

Examples

  • "Parents often emphasize discipline as the foundation for good behavior in children."
  • "The coach stressed the importance of discipline in training, focusing on consistency and hard work."
  • "Military training relies heavily on discipline, requiring strict adherence to regulations and routines."
  • "She was taught to maintain discipline in her studies and never procrastinate."
  • "A lack of discipline in the workplace can lead to inefficiency and conflict."
noun

A branch of knowledge or learning.

Examples

  • "The university offers a variety of disciplines, ranging from philosophy to computer science."
  • "Her academic discipline is history, focusing specifically on medieval Europe."
  • "He decided to study a different discipline, opting for a degree in biology over engineering."
  • "Modern disciplines like psychology and sociology have emerged from traditional philosophy."
  • "In academic discussions, the discipline of economics often intersects with political science."
verb

To train or control oneself or others according to rules or standards.

Examples

  • "The teacher disciplined the students for speaking out of turn."
  • "She learned to discipline herself in order to stick to her study schedule."
  • "Parents need to discipline their children without resorting to harsh punishment."
  • "The coach disciplined the team after they failed to meet their performance goals."
  • "It’s difficult to discipline yourself to wake up early every day, but it’s necessary."

Cultural Context

The concept of discipline has evolved across cultures, but it consistently highlights the value of order, control, and learning. In Western societies, discipline is often associated with academic and personal achievement, while in more traditional cultures, discipline may also emphasize moral or familial order.

The Art of Discipline

Story

The Art of Discipline

In the quiet town of Evershire, a young teacher named Emily had recently taken up a post at the local high school. With her fresh ideas and energetic approach, she was determined to make a positive impact on her students. However, she quickly realized that many of her students lacked the discipline needed to focus on their studies, often disrupting lessons and failing to complete assignments on time. Emily knew she had to address the issue, but the approach wasn’t as simple as just imposing rules. One afternoon, she sat down with one of her students, a boy named Tom, who had a reputation for misbehaving in class. 'You know,' Emily said, 'discipline isn’t just about obeying rules. It’s about helping you control your actions so that you can achieve your goals. You have the potential to do great things, but you have to discipline yourself to stay focused.' Tom, who had never really considered discipline in such a way, began to think about it differently. He realized that his lack of discipline was holding him back from doing well in school and achieving his ambitions of becoming a professional athlete. Over the following weeks, Emily worked closely with Tom and the rest of the class. Instead of just punishing poor behavior, she encouraged self-discipline, teaching her students how to organize their time, set goals, and stay accountable. She explained that discipline, much like any academic discipline, required study and practice. Gradually, the class began to show improvement. Tom, once the class troublemaker, started to excel in his studies and even became a role model for other students. The transformation was profound, and the school’s atmosphere shifted from chaos to order. Emily had shown her students that discipline wasn’t just about control—it was a tool for achieving success and becoming better versions of themselves. By the end of the school year, Emily had earned the respect of her students, who now understood the true meaning of discipline. It wasn’t about punishment, but about commitment and self-control. Emily had not only disciplined her students but had also helped them discover the discipline within themselves, a lesson that would stay with them for years to come.

The Art of Discipline