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discipline

dis·ci·pline [ díssəplin ]


noun  (plural dis·ci·plines)
Definition:
 
1. training to ensure proper behavior: the practice or methods of teaching and enforcing acceptable patterns of behavior

2. order and control: a controlled orderly state, especially in a class of schoolchildren

3. calm controlled behavior: the ability to behave in a controlled and calm way even in a difficult or stressful situation

4. conscious control over lifestyle: mental self-control used in directing or changing behavior, learning something, or training for something

5. education activity or subject: a subject or field of activity, e.g. an academic subject

6. punishment: punishment designed to teach somebody obedience

7. christianity church rules: the system of rules used in a religious denomination or order



verb  (past and past participle dis·ci·plined, present participle dis·ci·plin·ing, 3rd person present singular dis·ci·plines)
Definition:
 
1. vr make yourself do something regularly: to make yourself act or work in a controlled or systematic way

2. transitive verb punish somebody: to punish somebody as a way of enforcing obedience

3. transitive verb teach somebody obedience: to teach somebody to obey rules or to behave in an acceptable way

[13th century. Directly or via French< Latin disciplina "instruction given to a learner" < discipulus (see disciple)]

dis·ci·plin·a·ble adjective
dis·ci·pli·nal [ díssəplin'l, di sípplin'l ] adjective
dis·ci·plined adjective
dis·ci·plin·er [ díssəplinər ] noun
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