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compromise

n. · v.
US //ˈkɑmpɹəˌmaɪz// UK //kˈɒmpɹəmˌaɪz// com·pro·mise
  1. 1 mutual agreement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    an agreement where two people or groups both give up something they wanted so they can agree.

    a settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions to reach a common middle ground.

    Example

    After hours of talking, they reached a compromise on the price of the car.

    Example

    The final treaty was a delicate compromise that satisfied neither side completely but successfully averted a full-scale trade war.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'reach', 'make', or 'strike'.
  2. 2 loss of standards (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of giving up your principles or doing something you do not think is right.

    a concession that is perceived as prejudicial or derogatory to one's principles, standards, or reputation.

    Example

    He felt that taking the money was a compromise of his honesty.

    Example

    The senator's supporters viewed the new policy as a moral compromise that betrayed the core values of the party.
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  1. 3 to reach an agreement (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to give up part of what you want so that you can agree with someone else.

    to settle a dispute by mutual concession. Often used intransitively.

    Example

    We were both tired of fighting, so we decided to compromise on where to go for dinner.

    Example

    In a coalition government, parties must frequently compromise on their individual manifestos to maintain a functional legislative majority.
  2. 4 to endanger or weaken (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to put something in a dangerous or weak position by acting carelessly.

    to expose to danger, suspicion, or disrepute; to weaken or damage the integrity of something.

    Example

    If you don't wear a helmet, you compromise your safety while riding.

    Example

    The leaked documents could compromise the safety of several undercover agents working abroad.
  3. 5 to breach security (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    to break into a computer system or find a way around security.

    to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network, resulting in a security breach.

    Example

    Hackers managed to compromise the company's database and steal customer emails.

    Example

    The IT department confirmed that the server had been compromised via a sophisticated phishing attack targeting senior executives.

    Usage

    Usually transitive, taking the system or network as the direct object.
Origin

From Middle French compromis, from Medieval Latin, Late Latin compromissum (“a compromise, originally a mutual promise to refer to arbitration”), prop. neuter of Latin compromissus, past participle of compromittere (“to make a mutual promise to abide by the decision of an arbiter”), from com- (“together”) + promittere (“to promise”); see promise.

Word family

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