Compromise Definition
kŏmprə-mīz
compromised, compromises, compromising
noun
compromises
A settlement in which each side gives up some demands or makes concessions.
Webster's New World
An adjustment of opposing principles, systems, etc. by modifying some aspects of each.
Webster's New World
The result of such an adjustment.
Webster's New World
Something midway between two other things in quality, effect, etc.
Webster's New World
Impairment, as by disease or injury.
Physiological compromise.
American Heritage Medicine
Synonyms:
verb
compromised, compromises, compromising
To arrive at a settlement by making concessions.
American Heritage Medicine
To make a compromise or compromises.
Webster's New World
To lay open to danger, suspicion, or disrepute.
Webster's New World
To weaken or give up (one's principles, ideals, etc.) as for reasons of expediency.
Webster's New World
To settle or adjust by concessions on both sides.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
Origin of Compromise
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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.
From Wiktionary
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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 promise
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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