/ ˈkɒmprəmaɪz; NAmE ˈkɑːm-/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C ] an agreement made between two people or groups in which each side gives up some of the things they want so that both sides are happy at the end :
After lengthy talks the two sides finally reached a compromise .
In any relationship, you have to make compromises .
a compromise solution / agreement / candidate
2.
[ C ] compromise (between A and B) a solution to a problem in which two or more things cannot exist together as they are, in which each thing is reduced or changed slightly so that they can exist together :
This model represents the best compromise between price and quality.
3.
[ U ] the act of reaching a compromise :
Compromise is an inevitable part of life.
There is no prospect of compromise in sight.
■ verb
1.
[ v ] compromise (with sb) (on sth) to give up some of your demands after a disagreement with sb, in order to reach an agreement :
Neither side is prepared to compromise.
After much argument, the judges finally compromised on (= agreed to give the prize to) the 18-year old pianist.
They were unwilling to compromise with the Communists.
2.
compromise (on sth) to do sth that is against your principles or does not reach standards that you have set :
[ vn ]
I refuse to compromise my principles.
[ v ]
We are not prepared to compromise on safety standards.
3.
[ vn ] compromise sb/sth / yourself to bring sb/sth/yourself into danger or under suspicion, especially by acting in a way that is not very sensible :
She had already compromised herself by accepting his invitation.
Defeat at this stage would compromise their chances (= reduce their chances) of reaching the finals of the competition.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (denoting mutual consent to arbitration): from Old French compromis , from late Latin compromissum a consent to arbitration, neuter past participle of compromittere , from com- together + promittere put forth, promise, from pro- forward + mittere send.