Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

compromise

 - 7 dictionary results
Offer in Compromise Help
JK Harris & Company Nations Largest Tax Resolution Firm
OfferInCompromise.JKHarris.com

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
Offer in Compromise Help
JK Harris & Company Nations Largest Tax Resolution Firm
OfferInCompromise.JKHarris.com
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.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

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
Cite This Source
Legal Dictionary

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.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

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.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see compromise on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way