compromise
Americannoun
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a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.
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the result of such a settlement.
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something intermediate between different things.
The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house.
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an endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc..
a compromise of one's integrity.
verb (used with object)
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to settle by a compromise.
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to expose or make vulnerable to danger, suspicion, scandal, etc.; jeopardize.
a military oversight that compromised the nation's defenses.
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Obsolete.
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to bind by bargain or agreement.
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to bring to terms.
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verb (used without object)
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to make a compromise or compromises.
The conflicting parties agreed to compromise.
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to make a dishonorable or shameful concession.
He is too honorable to compromise with his principles.
noun
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settlement of a dispute by concessions on both or all sides
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the terms of such a settlement
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something midway between two or more different things
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an exposure of one's good name, reputation, etc, to injury
verb
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to settle (a dispute) by making concessions
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(tr) to expose (a person or persons) to disrepute
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(tr) to prejudice unfavourably; weaken
his behaviour compromised his chances
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obsolete (tr) to pledge mutually
Other Word Forms
- compromiser noun
- compromisingly adverb
- compromissary adjective
- noncompromising adjective
- procompromise adjective
- quasi-compromising adjective
- quasi-compromisingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of compromise
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Anglo-French compromisse, Middle French compromis, from Latin comprōmissum; equivalent to com- + promise
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They are "starting to act as if the route is compromised", he said.
From Barron's
However, it also notes that mountaineers "should be prepared to make compromises in order to balance the needs and abilities of all the group".
From BBC
Iran appeared to show an openness to compromises that it had rejected outright in the past.
The top diplomat of Oman, which mediated talks Thursday in Geneva between the United States and Iran, had been optimistic for a compromise.
From Barron's
Relatives said they believed the group lacked military training and suspected the mission was compromised.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
