com·pro·mise
(k
m
pr
-m
z
)
KEY
NOUN:
-
- A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.
- The result of such a settlement.
- Something that combines qualities or elements of different things:
The incongruous design is a compromise between high tech and early American.
- A concession to something detrimental or pejorative:
a compromise of morality.
VERB:
com·pro·mised
,
com·pro·mis·ing
,
com·pro·mis·es
VERB:
tr.
- To settle by concessions.
- To expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute:
an embassy that was compromised by hidden listening devices.
-
Obsolete
To pledge mutually.
VERB:
intr.
- To make a compromise.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English
compromis, from Old French, from Latin
compr
missum,
mutual promise, from neuter past participle of
comprmittere,
to promise mutually :
com-,
com- +
prmittere,
to promise ; see
promise
OTHER FORMS:
compro·miser
(Noun)
