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compromise - 10 dictionary results

com⋅pro⋅mise

  [kom-pruh-mahyz] noun, verb, -mised, -mis⋅ing.
Use compromise in a Sentence
–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, esp. of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: a compromise of one's integrity.
–verb (used with object)
5. to settle by a compromise.
6. to expose or make vulnerable to danger, suspicion, scandal, etc.; jeopardize: a military oversight that compromised the nation's defenses.
7. Obsolete.
a. to bind by bargain or agreement.
b. to bring to terms.
–verb (used without object)
8. to make a compromise or compromises: The conflicting parties agreed to compromise.
9. to make a dishonorable or shameful concession: He is too honorable to compromise with his principles.
Origin:
1400–50; late ME < AF compromisse, MF compromis < L comprōmissum. See com-, promise

Related forms:
com⋅pro⋅mis⋅er, noun
com⋅pro⋅mis⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
com⋅prom⋅is⋅sa⋅ry  [kom-prom-uh-ser-ee] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To compromise
com·pro·mise   (kŏm'prə-mīz')   
n.  
    1. A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.
    2. The result of such a settlement.
  2. Something that combines qualities or elements of different things: The incongruous design is a compromise between high tech and early American.
  3. A concession to something detrimental or pejorative: a compromise of morality.
v.   com·pro·mised, com·pro·mis·ing, com·pro·mis·es

v.   intr.
  1. To arrive at a settlement by making concessions.
  2. To reduce the quality, value, or degree of something.
v.   tr.
    1. To expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute: a secret mission that was compromised and had to be abandoned; compromise one's standing in the community.
    2. To reduce in quality, value, or degree; weaken or lower.
  2. To impair by disease or injury: an immune system that was compromised by a virus.
  3. To settle by mutual concessions: a dispute that was compromised.

[Middle English compromis, from Old French, from Latin comprōmissum, mutual promise, from neuter past participle of comprōmittere, to promise mutually : com-, com- + prōmittere, to promise; see promise.]
com'pro·mis'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Compromise

Com"pro*mise\, n. [F. compromis, fr. L. compromissum a mutual promise to abide by the decision of an arbiter, fr. compromittere to make such a promise; com- + promittere to promise. See Promise.]

1. A mutual agreement to refer matters in dispute to the decision of arbitrators. [Obs.] --Burrill.

2. A settlement by arbitration or by mutual consent reached by concession on both sides; a reciprocal abatement of extreme demands or rights, resulting in an agreement.

But basely yielded upon compromise That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows. --Shak.

All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter. --Burke.

An abhorrence of concession and compromise is a never failing characteristic of religious factions. --Hallam.

3. A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender; as, a compromise of character or right.

I 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. --Lamb.

Compromise

Com"pro*mise\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Compromised; p. pr. & vb. n. Compromising.] [From Compromise, n.; cf. Compromit.]

1. To bind by mutual agreement; to agree. [Obs.]

Laban and himself were compromised That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied Should fall as Jacob's hire. --Shak.

2. To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.

The controversy may easily be compromised. --Fuller.

3. 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.

To pardon all who had been compromised in the late disturbances. --Motley.

Compromise

Com"pro*mise\, v. i. 1. To agree; to accord. [Obs.]

2. To make concession for conciliation and peace.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : compromise
Spanish: acuerdo mutuo, término medio,
German: der Kompromiß,
Japanese: 妥協
More Translations »

compromise 
1426, "a joint promise to abide by an arbiter's decision," from M.Fr. compromis, from L. compromissus, pp. of compromittere "to make a mutual promise" (to abide by an arbiter's decision), from com- "together" + promittere (see promise). The main modern sense is from extension to the settlement itself (1479).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Main Entry: 1com·pro·mise
Function: noun
: an agreement resolving differences by mutual concessions esp. to prevent or end a lawsuit

Main Entry: 2compromise
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: -mised; -mis·ing
transitive verb : to resolve or dispose of by a compromise compromised —E. A. Farnsworth and W. Federal Reporter Young> intransitive verb : to enter into a compromise
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Main Entry: 1com·pro·mise
Pronunciation: 'käm-pr&-"mIz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -mised;-mis·ing
: to cause the impairment of compromise placental function> compromised immune system> compromised patient>

Main Entry: 2compromise
Function: noun
: the condition of having been compromised : IMPAIRMENT compromise> compromise —David Jaffe et al>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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