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compromise

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The definition of a compromise is when two sides give up some demands to meet somewhere in the middle.

(noun)

An example of compromise is a teenager wanting to come home at midnight, while their parent wants them to come home at 10pm, they end up agreeing upon 11pm.

Compromise means to give up some demands and agree on something less than what was originally wanted.

(verb)

An example of compromise is a very clean person deciding they don't need to mop everyday in order to have some quality family time.

See compromise in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a settlement in which each side gives up some demands or makes concessions
1. an adjustment of opposing principles, systems, etc. by modifying some aspects of each
2. the result of such an adjustment
something midway between two other things in quality, effect, etc.
1. exposure, as of one's reputation, to danger, suspicion, or disrepute
2. a weakening, as of one's principles

Origin: ME & OFr compromis < LL compromissum, a compromise, mutual promise < L compromissus, pp. of compromittere, to make a mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision < com-, together + promittere, to promise

transitive verb compromised, compromising

to settle or adjust by concessions on both sides
to lay open to danger, suspicion, or disrepute
to weaken or give up (one's principles, ideals, etc.) as for reasons of expediency
Med. to weaken or otherwise impair: drugs that compromised his immune system

intransitive verb

to make a compromise or compromises

Related Forms:

compromiser noun

See compromise in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.
b. The result of such a settlement.
Something that combines qualities or elements of different things: The incongruous design is a compromise between high tech and early American.
A concession to something detrimental or pejorative: a compromise of morality.

verb com·pro·mised, com·pro·mis·ing, com·pro·mis·es

verb, intransitive

To arrive at a settlement by making concessions.
To reduce the quality, value, or degree of something.

verb, transitive

a. 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.
b. To reduce in quality, value, or degree; weaken or lower.
To impair by disease or injury: an immune system that was compromised by a virus.
To settle by mutual concessions: a dispute that was compromised.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English compromis

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin comprōmissum, mutual promise

Origin: , from

Origin: neuter past participle of comprōmittere, to promise mutually

Origin: : com-, com-

Origin: + prōmittere, to promise; see promise

Related Forms: