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

Greg is not among them, and yet Dylan and Greg have found themselves, several times, at opposite ends of a table used for faculty disciplinary hearings.

From Salon • May 11, 2026

Wei and Li disappeared from public view that year, fueling speculation that they were facing disciplinary probes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Again, a booking would be an acceptable disciplinary outcome.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

The administration also can begin disciplinary and dismissal proceedings.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Have extensive disciplinary knowledge and some interdisciplinary understanding.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• punitive