compromise

[ kom-pruh-mahyz ]

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. Obsolete.
   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.

compromise

/ 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.
   tr to pledge mutually

Derived Forms

• ˈcomproˌmiser, noun
• ˈcomproˌmisingly, adverb

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

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

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

Example Sentences

Emetophobia tends to compromise my relationships, turning me into a selfish jerk.

From The Daily Beast

It's clear he doesn't like my compromise, but he seems resigned.

From The Daily Beast

They then would expect the Senate to strip that amendment and compromise simply on keeping government open for 60 days.

From The Daily Beast

Nobody truly loves it, but nobody ever truly loves big compromise legislation.

From The Daily Beast

Clay engineered the morally indefensible Missouri Compromise.

From The Daily Beast

This we took advantage of, and after several meetings in London a compromise was effected.

From Project Gutenberg

Montelegre writes me that Don Yonge had effected a compromise on your account with the Castros.

From Project Gutenberg

Absurd—they have long ago scouted the idea of so ridiculous a compromise.

From Project Gutenberg

President Monroe signed the Missouri Compromise expressing his approval of this bill.

From Project Gutenberg

His great red feet were bound up in a shoe open at the toes, a kind of compromise for a sandal.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accommodation
• accord
• adjustment
• arrangement
• bargain
• concession
• deal
• pact
• settlement
• understanding