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.
The 25-year-old was picked by coach Brian McDermott as one of three half-back options alongside Harry Smith and captain George Williams, despite a Super League season pockmarked by inconsistency and disciplinary issues.
From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026
“Positive” trainers generally focus on rewards and avoid disciplinary measures.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026
Fifa insisted the committee was independent but its legal committee is now reviewing a proposal to amend its disciplinary code, which would prevent a repeat, with an update due in December.
From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026
Seven police officers were suspended and are under disciplinary investigation for overstepping their authority.
From Barron's ● Oct. 17, 2026
She was saying that Trace Middle had decided not to take disciplinary action against Dana Matherson because of his injuries.
From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
