disciplinary
Americanadjective
adjective
-
of, promoting, or used for discipline; corrective
-
relating to a branch of learning
criticism that crosses disciplinary boundaries
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disciplinary
First recorded in 1575–85; discipline + -ary
Explanation
Anything disciplinary is meant to correct someone's bad behavior or punish them for doing something wrong. At many schools, the vice principal is in charge of disciplinary actions like detention. Many parents have disciplinary methods that include issuing time-outs, grounding teenagers for misbehavior, or withholding privileges like watching TV. The sentences and punishments handed down by judges in criminal courts and military tribunals are more serious disciplinary actions. In fact, the adjective disciplinary comes from a Latin root, disciplina, that means both "instruction given" and "military discipline."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While Southampton felt the full force of the EFL's disciplinary powers at the back end of last season, Spygate is far from over with the future of head coach Tonda Eckert still uncertain.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
It said it was decided that "disciplinary action would be taken against the security personnel involved, who were documented at the site several days ago".
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
It is also where staff send men they label legitimate troublemakers—those with heavy disciplinary records.
From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026
McDonnell said Flores’ complaint triggered an investigation into 18 other officers, all but one of whom faced sustained disciplinary complaints.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026
Oh, and on the way to the Watch Commander’s Office, I should stop and pick up an evidence bag from the disciplinary office, in which to place the burner.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
