Thesaurus

discipline

Q: How is the word 'discipline' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of discipline are castigate , chasten , chastise , correct , and punish . While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control. // parents must discipline their children

Q: When is 'castigate' a more appropriate choice than 'discipline'?

The meanings of castigate and discipline largely overlap; however, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure. // an editorial castigating the entire city council

Q: When would 'chasten' be a good substitute for 'discipline'?

The synonyms chasten and discipline are sometimes interchangeable, but chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued. // chastened by a landslide election defeat

Q: When can 'chastise' be used instead of 'discipline'?

While the synonyms chastise and discipline are close in meaning, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation. // chastised his son for neglecting his studies

Q: When might 'correct' be a better fit than 'discipline'?

While in some cases nearly identical to discipline , correct implies punishing aimed at reforming an offender. // the function of prison is to correct the wrongdoer

Q: When is it sensible to use 'punish' instead of 'discipline'?

The words punish and discipline can be used in similar contexts, but punish implies subjecting to a penalty for wrongdoing. // punished for stealing

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of discipline

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a region of activity, knowledge, or influence

you must choose a discipline to focus on in college

Synonyms for discipline

Words Related to discipline

frontier

study,
subject

territory,
turf

2 suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense

harsh discipline was imposed to keep order within the ranks

Synonyms for discipline

Words Related to discipline

example,
sentence

Near Antonyms for discipline

release

3 the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

she lacks the discipline that's essential for a job in customer relations

Synonyms for discipline

Words Related to discipline

Near Antonyms for discipline

unrestrainedness

Antonyms for discipline

discipline

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of discipline (Entry 2 of 2)

to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime

the pranksters were severely disciplined for their irresponsible stunt

Synonyms for discipline

Words Related to discipline

convict,
sentence

wreak

Near Antonyms for discipline

forfeit

commute,
reprieve

Antonyms for discipline

Frequently Asked Questions About discipline

How is the word discipline distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of discipline are castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, and punish. While all these words mean "to inflict a penalty on in requital for wrongdoing," discipline implies a punishing or chastening in order to bring under control.

parents must discipline their children

When is castigate a more appropriate choice than discipline?

The meanings of castigate and discipline largely overlap; however, castigate usually implies a severe, typically public censure.

an editorial castigating the entire city council

When would chasten be a good substitute for discipline?

The synonyms chasten and discipline are sometimes interchangeable, but chasten suggests any affliction or trial that leaves one humbled or subdued.

chastened by a landslide election defeat

When can chastise be used instead of discipline?

While the synonyms chastise and discipline are close in meaning, chastise may apply to either the infliction of corporal punishment or to verbal censure or denunciation.

chastised his son for neglecting his studies