a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.
the result of such a settlement.
something intermediate between different things: The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house.
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.
to settle by a compromise.
to expose or make vulnerable to danger, suspicion, scandal, etc.; jeopardize: a military oversight that compromised the nation's defenses.
Obsolete.
to bind by bargain or agreement.
to bring to terms.
verb (used without object),com·pro·mised,com·pro·mis·ing.
to make a compromise or compromises: The conflicting parties agreed to compromise.
to make a dishonorable or shameful concession: He is too honorable to compromise with his principles.
Origin of compromise
1400–50; late Middle English <Anglo-French compromisse,Middle French compromis<Latin comprōmissum.See com-, promise
Emetophobia tends to compromise my relationships, turning me into a selfish jerk.
Why My Norovirus Panic Makes Me Sick|Lizzie Crocker|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It's clear he doesn't like my compromise, but he seems resigned.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They then would expect the Senate to strip that amendment and compromise simply on keeping government open for 60 days.
Bachmann and Pelosi vs. Boehner and Obama Over Spending Bill|Ben Jacobs|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The politics on both sides in South Asia leave little room for compromise or dialogue.
ICYMI: India-Pakistan Head for Nuke War|Bruce Riedel|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But having reached something of a compromise, the IRS approved the school as a tax-exempt nonprofit in March 2002.
At This Creepy Libertarian Charter School, Kids Must Swear ‘to Be Obedient to Those in Authority’|ProPublica|October 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We all—you dont—we all compromise, because other people compromise.
The Angel of Pain|E. F. Benson
Talfourd is strongly disinclined to compromise with the printers on any terms.
The Life of Charles Dickens, Vol. I-III, Complete|John Forster
He sued for his freedom on the ground that slavery was unlawful in free territory, under the Compromise.
Expansion and Conflict|William E. Dodd
Frankly, if you continue to compromise him and his good name by coming like this to his studio, it will ruin him.
The Eyes of the World|Harold Bell Wright
Ehrlich was the first to endeavour to effect a compromise between the directly opposed views of Rindfleisch and Neumann.
Histology of the Blood|Paul Ehrlich
British Dictionary definitions for compromise
compromise
/ (ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz) /
noun
settlement of a dispute by concessions on both or all sides
the terms of such a settlement
something midway between two or more different things
an exposure of one's good name, reputation, etc, to injury
verb
to settle (a dispute) by making concessions
(tr)to expose (a person or persons) to disrepute
(tr)to prejudice unfavourably; weakenhis behaviour compromised his chances
(tr)obsoleteto pledge mutually
Derived forms of compromise
compromiser, nouncompromisingly, adverb
Word Origin for compromise
C15: from Old French compromis, from Latin comprōmissum mutual agreement to accept the decision of an arbiter, from comprōmittere, from prōmittere to promise