Etymology From Middle English [Term?], from Anglo-Norman, from Old French descipline, from Latin disciplina (“instruction”), from discipulus (“pupil”), influenced by disco (“to learn”), from Proto-Indo-European *dek- (“(cause to) accept”).
The most perfect, who have their passions in the best discipline, are yet obliged to be constantly on their guard.a. 1729, John Rogers, The Difficulties of Obtaining Salvation:
2
An enforced compliance or control.
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:
3
A systematic method of obtaining obedience.
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
4
A state of order based on submission to authority.
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, […], →OCLC:
5
A set of rules regulating behaviour.
6
A punishment to train or maintain control.
giving her the discipline of the strap1712 October 12 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison; Richard Steele et al.], “WEDNESDAY, 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:
› A controlled behaviour; self-control. › A punishment to train or maintain control.
All she had done was give Teena a cilice, a barbed metal chain she was to tie around her thigh for two hours every day, and a discipline, a rope whip with knotted ends she was to use on her back when she prayed the Hail Mary.2024 March 16, Antonia Cundy, “The Opus Dei diaries”, in FT Weekend, London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 18:
8
A flagellation as a means of obtaining sexual gratification.
9
A specific branch of knowledge, learning, or practice.
Near-synonyms: specialty, speciality, specialism
academic disciplines
2 more examples
Economics is a messy discipline: too fluid to be a science, too rigorous to be an art.2013 August 3, “Boundary problems”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8847:
This mathematical discipline, by the help of geometrical principles, doth teach to contrive several weights and powers unto motion or rest.1648, John Wilkins, Mathematical Magick:
10
A category in which a certain art, sport or other activity belongs.
Etymology From Middle English [Term?], from Anglo-Norman, from Old French descipline, from Latin disciplina (“instruction”), from discipulus (“pupil”), influenced by disco (“to learn”), from Proto-Indo-European *dek- (“(cause to) accept”).