disciplinar

Disciplinar is a verb used in Portuguese and Spanish that means to impose discipline, to train, or to regulate behavior. It can refer to actions by teachers, authorities, organizations, or individuals aimed at ensuring orderly conduct, compliance with rules, or the development of skills. In everyday usage, it also covers the idea of self-control, as in disciplining oneself to follow routines or standards.

Etymology and usage context: disciplinar comes from Latin disciplina, meaning instruction or training, derived from discere “to learn.” Through Romance languages, the term retained a sense of order, instruction, and governance, which is reflected in both Portuguese and Spanish usages.

In Portuguese, disciplinar is common in formal contexts such as education, work, and administration. Expressions include medidas disciplinares (sanctions or corrective actions) and procedimentos disciplinares. The reflexive form disciplinar-se denotes the act of training oneself or adhering to discipline.

In Spanish, disciplinar is a regular -ar verb used similarly: disciplining someone (disciplinar a alguien) and phrases like medidas disciplinarias. The noun disciplina conveys discipline as order, study, or a field of knowledge.

In legal and organizational contexts, discipline often involves internal regulation and sanctions for violations, accompanied by procedures that safeguard rights and ensure proportional consequences. The concept encompasses both punitive aspects and developmental aims, such as improving conduct, performance, and adherence to rules.

See also: discipline, disciplinary action, self-discipline.