Compromise

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪz
• RP IPA: /ˈkÉ’mpɹəˌmaɪz/
• GenAm IPA: /ˈkÉ‘mpɹəˌmaɪz/

Origin

From Middle French compromis, from Medieval Latin, Late Latin compromissum ("a compromise, originally a mutual promise to refer to arbitration"), prop. neuter of Latin compromissus, past participle of compromittere ("to make a mutual promise to abide by the decision of an arbiter"), from com- ("together") + promittere ("to promise"); see promise.

Full definition of compromise

Noun

1. The settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions.
• ShakespeareBut basely yielded upon compromise
  That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows.
• BurkeAll government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.
• HallamAn abhorrence of concession and compromise is a never failing characteristic of religious factions.
2. A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender.a compromise of character or right
• LambI was determined not to accept any fine speeches, to the compromise of that sex the belonging to which was, after all, my strongest claim and title to them.

Related terms

• promise

Verb

1. (ambitransitive) To bind by mutual agreement.
• ShakespeareLaban and himself were compromised
  That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied
  Should fall as Jacob's hire.
2. To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.
• FullerThe controversy may easily be compromised.
3. (intransitive) To find a way between extremes.
4. To pledge by some act or declaration; to endanger the life, reputation, etc., of, by some act which can not be recalled; to expose to suspicion.
• MotleyTo pardon all who had been compromised in the late disturbances.
5. (transitive) To cause impairment of.
6. (transitive) To breach (a security system).He tried to compromise the security in the computer by guessing the password.

Derived terms

• compromising (adjective)