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compromise

noun

1. a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.
2. the result of such a settlement.
3. something intermediate between different things:
   The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house.
4. an endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.:
   a compromise of one's integrity.

verb (used with object)

, com·pro·mised, com·pro·mis·ing.

1. to settle by a compromise.
2. to expose or make vulnerable to danger, suspicion, scandal, etc.; jeopardize:
   a military oversight that compromised the nation's defenses.
3. 1. to bind by bargain or agreement.
   2. to bring to terms.

verb (used without object)

, com·pro·mised, com·pro·mis·ing.

1. to make a compromise or compromises:
   The conflicting parties agreed to compromise.
2. to make a dishonorable or shameful concession:
   He is too honorable to compromise with his principles.

/ ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz /

noun

1. settlement of a dispute by concessions on both or all sides
2. the terms of such a settlement
3. something midway between two or more different things
4. an exposure of one's good name, reputation, etc, to injury

verb

1. to settle (a dispute) by making concessions
2. tr to expose (a person or persons) to disrepute
3. tr to prejudice unfavourably; weaken
   his behaviour compromised his chances
4. obsolete.

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Derived Forms

• ˈcomproˌmiser, noun
• ˈcomproˌmisingly, adverb

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Other Words From

• compro·miser noun
• compro·mising·ly adverb
• com·prom·is·sa·ry [kom-, prom, -, uh, -ser-ee], adjective
• non·compro·mising adjective
• pro·compro·mise adjective
• quasi-compro·mising adjective
• quasi-compro·mising·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of compromise1

First recorded in

1400–50; late Middle English, from Anglo-French compromisse, Middle French compromis, from Latin comprōmissum; equivalent to com-

+ promise

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Word History and Origins

Origin of compromise1

C15: from Old French compromis, from Latin comprōmissum mutual agreement to accept the decision of an arbiter, from comprōmittere, from prōmittere to promise

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Example Sentences

It includes a plotline in which the British Security Services want to retrieve some compromising photographs of Princess Margaret, allegedly held in a security box by Trinidadian militant gangster Michael X.

However, when subunits are mutated or USP39 is absent, the stability of the tripartite complex is compromised, causing the spliceosome to lose precision.

Professor Carola Paul adds: "Our study has contributed to finding compromise solutions to manage the increasingly diverse demands on forests and forest management by society."

I don’t want to be self-righteous; we all make compromises.

Having an attorney general with so much potentially compromising dirt on him could be an asset, it being hard to say “no” to someone would could arguably ruin you.