[com.pro.mise] n [ME, mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision, fr. MF compromis, fr. L compromissum, fr. neut. of compromissus, pp. of compromittere to promise mutually, fr. com- + promittere to promise--more at promise] (15c) 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 ~ of principles"
[2]compromise vb -mised ; -mis.ing vt (1598) 1 obs: to bind by mutual agreement
2: to adjust or settle by mutual concessions 3 a: to expose to suspicion, discredit, or mischief b: to reveal or expose to an unauthorized person and esp. to an enemy "confidential information was compromised" c: to cause the impairment of "a compromised immune system" "a seriously compromised patient" ~ vi 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 ~ with their principles" -- com.pro.mis.er n