discipline
gb/dˈɪsəplən/ us/dˈɪsəplən/
B1
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
self-control and obedience training
The act of teaching people to follow rules and control their behavior.
Usage pattern:
[someone] needs discipline
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'discipline' with 'punishment'. Punishment is one tool used in discipline, but discipline is broader and includes guidance and training.
Synonyms
self-control (Focuses more on personal restraint rather than externally imposed rules.)
Antonyms
disorder (Refers to a lack of control or organization in behavior.)
Collocations
strict discipline
|self-discipline
|maintain discipline
|enforce discipline
Themes
education
|parenting
|work
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher maintained strict discipline in the classroom.
- Good discipline is essential for a successful sports team.
- The army is known for its high level of discipline.
- His lack of discipline caused him to miss several deadlines.
Learner examples
- The class has good discipline.
- He needs more discipline to finish his work.
- Discipline is important in the army.
- Parents teach children discipline at home.
Noun
B2
entity
2
field of academic study
A subject you can study at school or university.
Usage pattern:
a discipline such as [subject]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'discipline' with 'subject'—they are similar, but 'discipline' often refers to a broader, more formal area of study.
Synonyms
field (Less formal; often used in both academic and non-academic contexts.)
Antonyms
general knowledge (Knowledge not limited to a specific field or subject.)
Collocations
academic discipline
|scientific discipline
|interdisciplinary
Themes
education
|science
Examples
- Psychology is a relatively young academic discipline.
- The university offers courses in many disciplines.
- Her research bridges several scientific disciplines.
Learner examples
- Math is a difficult discipline.
- Biology is his favorite discipline.
- She studies two disciplines at the same time.
Verb
B1
action
3
to train someone to obey rules
To teach someone to follow rules and behave well.
Usage pattern:
to discipline [someone] for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'discipline' as a verb always means 'punish', but it can also mean teaching and guiding behavior without punishment.
Synonyms
train (Emphasizes skill development, not necessarily behavior control.)
Antonyms
indulge (To allow someone to do whatever they want without control.)
Collocations
discipline a child
|discipline employees
|discipline oneself
Themes
parenting
|education
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Parents must discipline their children consistently.
- The coach disciplined the player for missing practice.
- She disciplined herself to wake up early every day.
Learner examples
- The teacher disciplines the students.
- Parents should discipline their kids.
- I try to discipline myself to study daily.
Grammar
Dictionary form
discipline
IPA
GB/dˈɪsəplən/
US/dˈɪsəplən/
Syllables & stress
dis - cip - line (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (dis)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: discipline
- Plural: discipline, disciplines
Verb
- Base: discipline
- 3rd Person Singular: disciplines
- Present Participle: disciplining
- Past: disciplined
Word family
Forms
disciplines
noun
disciplining
verb
disciplined
verb
Core family
disciplinary
adjective
Related words
disciplinarian
noun
Negative and opposite forms
undisciplined
adjective
Advanced or less common
interdisciplinary
adjective C1
multidisciplinary
adjective C1
Expressions
academic discipline
1/ˌækədˈɛmɪk dˈɪsəplən/
fixed phrase
field of academic study or research
A subject or area of knowledge taught in school or university.
Examples
- Economics is an important academic discipline.
- Many academic disciplines overlap with each other.
enforce discipline
1/ɪnfˈɔɹs dˈɪsəplən/
fixed phrase
make people follow rules strictly
To use authority to make sure people follow rules and behave well.
Examples
- The new headmaster promised to enforce discipline at the school.
- The army enforces strict discipline among its soldiers.
maintain discipline
1/meɪntˈeɪn dˈɪsəplən/
fixed phrase
keep order and control of behavior
To keep people behaving well and following rules.
Examples
- The manager struggled to maintain discipline among the workers.
- Teachers must maintain discipline in the classroom.
self-discipline
1/sˈɛlf dˈɪsəplən/
fixed phrase
control over one's own actions
The ability to make yourself do what you should do, even when you don't want to.
Examples
- It takes self-discipline to stick to a diet.
- Self-discipline is key to learning a new language.