# disciplining

/ˈdɪsəpɫənɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈɪsɪplˌɪnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disciplining
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to punish or correct someone so they learn to follow rules. Parents and teachers do this to help children behave better.

For teachers: to punish or correct behaviour in order to enforce obedience or accepted standards; by extension, to train through systematic instruction and control.

## Examples

- She is disciplining her son for lying.
- The coach is disciplining the team for arriving late to practice again.
- While disciplining the students for cheating, the principal stressed honesty and responsibility over punishment.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.