discipline

The ability to control your actions and keep doing what you should, even when it is difficult.

• Learning an instrument takes discipline.
• She has the discipline to study every evening.
• Daily exercise helped him develop greater discipline.

Similar words: self-control, willpower

Common phrases: self discipline, personal discipline, have discipline

To punish someone for breaking rules so that they behave properly.

• The manager disciplined two employees.
• She was disciplined for ignoring safety rules.
• Will the school discipline him for fighting?

How to use it: discipline someone for something (The company disciplined him for repeated lateness.)

Similar words: punish, penalize

Common phrases: discipline an employee, discipline someone for something, discipline staff

To teach someone to follow rules and obey people in charge.

• Parents need to discipline their children.
• She disciplines her pupils with patience.
• He was disciplined to obey orders without question.

Similar words: train

Common phrases: discipline children, discipline someone firmly, discipline a child

To train someone through teaching and repeated practice.

• Daily exercises discipline the mind.
• She disciplined her body through years of practice.
• The program disciplines students to think carefully.

How to use it: discipline someone to do something (The exercises discipline students to observe small details.)

Similar words: train

Common phrases: discipline the mind, discipline your body, discipline someone

To make someone behave in an orderly, controlled way.

• You must discipline yourself.
• She disciplined herself to follow a daily routine.
• The new captain disciplined the unruly crew.

How to use it: discipline yourself to do something (I disciplined myself to work at the same time each morning.)

Similar words: control, restrain

Common phrases: discipline yourself, discipline someone, discipline your impulses