I. ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz noun
Etymology: Middle English, mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision, from Anglo-French compromisse, from Latin compromissum, from neuter of compromissus, past participle of compromittere to promise mutually, from com- + promittere to promise — more at promise
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions
b. : something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things
2. : a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial
a compromise of principles
II. verb
( -mised ; -mis·ing )
Date: 1598
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to bind by mutual agreement
2. : to adjust or settle by mutual concessions
3.
a. : to expose to suspicion, discredit, or mischief
his reputation has been compromised
b. : to reveal or expose to an unauthorized person and especially to an enemy
confidential information was compromised
c. : to cause the impairment of
a compromised immune system
a seriously compromised patient
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to come to agreement by mutual concession
b. : to find or follow a way between extremes
2. : to make a shameful or disreputable concession
wouldn't compromise with their principles
• com·pro·mis·er noun