compromise

/ˌkɑmprəˈmaɪz/

/ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/

Other forms: compromised; compromising; compromises

A compromise is a way of settling differences by everybody making concessions. If you want to stay out until 10 and your friend wants to stay out until midnight, 11 is a good compromise.

Compromise comes from the Latin compromissum, which means "mutual promise." It can be a noun or a verb. If you compromise with your lab partner over how to analyze the experimental data, you find the middle ground between your two ideas. Compromise can also mean to erode or diminish. If you never repair your brakes, you will compromise the safety of the car. If you cheat, you compromise your integrity.

Definitions of compromise

1. noun

   an accommodation in which both sides make concessions
   “the newly elected congressmen rejected a compromise because they considered it `business as usual'”

   examples:

   Missouri Compromise

   an agreement in 1820 between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the United States concerning the extension of slavery into new territories

   type of:

   accommodation

   a settlement of differences
2. noun

   a middle way between two extremes
   synonyms: via media

   type of:

   cooperation

   joint operation or action
3. verb

   make a compromise; arrive at a compromise
   “we all must compromise”

   types:

   give and take

   make mutual concessions

   type of:

   agree

   achieve harmony of opinion, feeling, or purpose
4. verb

   settle by concession
   type of:

   determine, settle, square off, square up

   settle conclusively; come to terms
5. verb

   expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute
   “The nuclear secrets of the state were compromised by the spy”

   type of:

   endanger, expose, peril, queer, scupper

   put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position