compromise

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an agreement in which each side gives up part of what it wants

   After hours of talks, the two sides finally reached a compromise.

2. 2
   verb

   to settle an argument by each side giving up something it wants

   Neither party would compromise on the issue of pay.

3. 3
   verb

   to put something at risk or make it less safe or effective

   The leak seriously compromised the security of the network.

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.

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