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enforce discipline
/ɪnˈfɔrs dɪˈsɪplɪn/
maintain order
The teacher had to enforce discipline in the classroom after the students started misbehaving.
The teacher had to make sure students followed rules to maintain order.
formal
To ensure rules or standards are obeyed, especially in an authoritative manner.
Security guards enforce discipline in prisons to prevent violence.
Security guards ensure inmates follow rules to maintain safety.
The company enforced strict discipline to improve productivity.
The company required employees to follow strict rules to increase efficiency.
Often used in contexts requiring authority, such as schools, military, or workplaces.
Collocations
strict disciplinerigorous adherence to rulesmaintain disciplinekeep orderenforce rulesmake sure rules are followed
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'impose discipline'
'Enforce discipline' implies authority is actively ensuring compliance, while 'impose discipline' suggests introducing rules where none existed before.
Gold Rule
Use with authority figures
This phrase is typically used by those in positions of power (e.g., teachers, managers, officers) to describe their role in maintaining order.
Word Origin
From Latin 'disciplina' (instruction, knowledge) via Old French 'discipline'. The verb 'enforce' comes from Old French 'enforcier' (to strengthen). Combined in English by the 16th century to mean applying authority to maintain order.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal or institutional contexts (e.g., military, education, corporate environments). Avoid using in casual conversation unless referring to structured settings.
Word Breakdown
enforce
to make people obey a rule or law
verbdiscipline
controlled behavior following rules
nounEnglish Dictionary