compromise

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an accommodation in which both sides make concessions

   the newly elected congressmen rejected a compromise because they considered it `business as usual'

2. 2
   verb

   to make a compromise

   arrive at a compromise

3. 3
   verb

   to expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute

   The nuclear secrets of the state were compromised by the spy

4. 4
   noun

   The settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions.

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

5. 5
   noun

   A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender.

   a compromise of character or right

6. 6
   verb

   To bind by mutual agreement.

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

7. 7
   verb

   To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.

   The controversy may easily be compromised.

8. 8
   verb

   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

Etymology

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.