disciplinary

American  

[dis-uh-pluh-ner-ee] / ˈdɪs ə pləˌnɛr i /

adjective

1. of, for, or constituting discipline; enforcing or administering discipline.

   disciplinary action.

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disciplinary British  

/ ˈdɪsɪˌplɪnərɪ /

adjective

1. of, promoting, or used for discipline; corrective

2. relating to a branch of learning

   criticism that crosses disciplinary boundaries

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Other Word Forms

• nondisciplinary
  adjective

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

An internal disciplinary process subsequently exonerated the officer and he was reinstated by the force.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026

She was the second professor at the university at the time to face disciplinary actions in connection to the protests but was the only one fired, according to the lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

The first, authored by House Rep. Marcia Morey, would make disciplinary hearings and sanctions by the courts’ internal watchdog, the Judicial Standards Commission, public.

From Salon • Jun. 16, 2026

The boy, who had admitted to creating the image, faced no formal disciplinary consequences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

They have special expertise and contribute to a range of challenging disciplinary areas.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• punitive