Discipline
/ˈdɪsɪplɪn/
Discipline refers to both the practice of enforcing rules and self-control, and a specific field of study or academic subject.
Examples
- Military discipline requires absolute obedience.
- The teacher maintained strict discipline in her classroom.
- The coach restored disciplined play after the halftime talk.
- The conference welcomed scholars from various disciplines.
- Art history is a rigorous academic discipline.
Meanings
Derived from the Latin discipulus, meaning 'pupil', which relates to learning and instruction. Over time, the sense expanded to include structured training and enforcement of rules.
Examples
- The teacher maintained strict discipline in her classroom.
- Military discipline requires absolute obedience.
- He was praised for his self-discipline in studying every day.
- The coach restored disciplined play after the halftime talk.
- Lack of discipline led to poor performance in the competition.
The shift in meaning occurred in the 17th century, as academic fields became more formally organized. The word came to denote a specific subject area shaped by systematic study.
Examples
- She earned a PhD in the discipline of discipline of sociology.
- Art history is a rigorous academic discipline.
- Each discipline has its own research methods.
- Interdisciplinary studies combine multiple disciplines.
- The conference welcomed scholars from various disciplines.