noun
plural -plines
[noncount] control that is gained by requiring that rules or orders be obeyed and punishing bad behavior
a way of behaving that shows a willingness to obey rules or orders
behavior that is judged by how well it follows a set of rules or orders
punishment for bad behavior
[noncount] :the ability to keep working at something that is difficult
[count] :an activity that is done regularly as a way of training yourself to do something or to improve your behavior
[count] :a field of study :a subject that is taught
verb
-plines; -plined; -plining
[+ obj] to punish (someone) as a way of making sure that rules or orders are obeyed
to train (yourself) to do something by controlling your behavior