Definition of "discipline"

A controlled behaviour; self-control.  quotations

1. An enforced compliance or control.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • The masters looked unusually stern, but it was the sternness of thought rather than of discipline.

     1956, Michael Arlen, “1/1/2”, in “Piracy”: A Romantic Chronicle of These Days‎

2. A systematic method of obtaining obedience.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • Discipline aims at the removal of bad habits and the substitution of good ones, especially those of order, regularity, and obedience.

     1871, Charles John Smith, Synonyms Discriminated

   • Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

     1973, Bible (New International Version), Hebrews 12:7

3. A state of order based on submission to authority.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • Their wildness lose, and, quitting nature's part, / Obey the rules and discipline of art.

     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, […]

4. A set of rules regulating behaviour.  examples

5. A punishment to train or maintain control.  quotations

   Quotations

   • giving her the discipline of the strap

     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

   1. (Catholicism) A whip used for self-flagellation.  examples

   2. A flagellation as a means of obtaining sexual gratification.  examples

A specific branch of knowledge, learning, or practice.  quotations

1. A category in which a certain art, sport or other activity belongs.  examples

(transitive) To train someone by instruction and practice.  examples

(transitive) To teach someone to obey authority.  examples

(transitive) To punish someone in order to (re)gain control.  examples

(transitive) To impose order on someone.  examples