disciplinarian

[ dis-uh-pluh-nair-ee-uhn ]

noun

1. a person who enforces or advocates discipline:

   The teacher was a formidable disciplinarian.

adjective

1. disciplinary.

disciplinarian

/ ˌdɪsɪplɪˈnɛərɪən /

noun

1. a person who imposes or advocates discipline

adjective

1. a less common word for disciplinary

Word History and Origins

Origin of disciplinarian¹

First recorded in 1575–85; discipline + -arian

Example Sentences

Another cool takeaway was, “It’s possible for your parents to be disciplinarians but also your friends.”

From Los Angeles Times

Children, according to the old disciplinarian maxim, should be seen and not heard.

From New York Times

Casting himself as a teacher, he often was more bully than counselor, more screamer than lecturer, more heavy-handed disciplinarian than instructor.

From Los Angeles Times

The Frankes made a big deal out of being strict disciplinarians on their channel, which led to describing punishments of children.

From Salon

Bias-response teams are staffed by administrators, disciplinarians, and even police officers — a literal speech police,” reads the group’s petition, which was filed in August to the high court.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• enforcer