compromise
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com·pro·mise (käm′prə mīz′)
noun
- a settlement in which each side gives up some demands or makes concessions
- an adjustment of opposing principles, systems, etc. by modifying some aspects of each
- the result of such an adjustment
- something midway between two other things in quality, effect, etc.
- exposure, as of one's reputation, to danger, suspicion, or disrepute
- a weakening, as of one's principles
Etymology: 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 -·mised′, compromising -·mis′·ing
- 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
Related Forms:
- compromiser com′·pro·mis′er noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Alternate definitions:
compromise
n.
The act of compromising
give-and-take, bargaining, granting concessions, accommodation; see agreement 1.An action involving compromise, sense 1
settlement, bargain, understanding, trade-off; see agreement 3.
compromise
v.
Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Object
- impartiality: Such inappropriate ministerial generosity seriously compromises the impartiality of the planning process.
Converse of object
- negotiate: However, even where a warrant for possession is issued, the parties can still negotiate a compromise to prevent eviction.
Adjective modifier
- uneasy: Well after much diplomatic coming and going, a rather uneasy compromise was reached.
Modifies a noun
- agreement: Employers using such clauses in compromise agreements therefore have a choice.
Preposition: with
- imperialism: They seek compromises with British imperialism no matter what the price and lull the Indian masses with hopes of reforms from above.
Preposition: for
- sake: South Africans, it seems, may well be asked to make yet a further historic compromise for the sake of the common good.
The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.
All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.
The laws of cricket tell of the English love of compromise between a particular freedom and a general orderliness, or legality.
Compromise used to mean that half a loaf was better than no bread. Among modern statesmen, it really seems to mean that half a loaf is better than a whole loaf.
Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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MLA Style
"compromise." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009
- Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
- <www.yourdictionary.com/compromise>
APA Style
compromise. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary
- Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/compromise
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