DictionaryAI

compromise

SayKOM-pruh-myz/ˈkɑmpɹəˌmaɪz//ˈkɒmpɹəˌmaɪz/AUS/ˈkɔmpɹəˌmɑez/

Pluralcompromises

Verbcompromises, compromising, compromised

9 meanings of compromise

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable or uncountable
    An agreement where each side gives up part of what they want to end a disagreement.

    Like meeting in the middle when two people want different things.

    The kids reached a compromise and shared the toy.

    Sometimes you need a compromise to keep the peace.

    Similaragreement, settlement, deal, accommodation, bargain

    Oppositedisagreement, deadlock, impasse

    Note
  2. 2
    verbintransitive
    To settle a disagreement when each side gives up part of what they want.

    Like trading some of what you want for some of what the other person wants.

    We had to compromise so everyone could be happy.

    They decided to compromise instead of fighting.

    Similarsettle, negotiate, bargain, concede

    Note
  3. 3
    verbintransitive
    To find a middle way between two opposite choices.

    Like picking a warm bath when one person wants it hot and the other wants it cold.

    If we both want different movies, we can compromise.

    Good friends know when to compromise.

    Similaradapt, adjust, concede, bend

  4. 4
    verbtransitive
    To make something weaker or less able to work well.

    Like a tiny hole that slowly weakens a strong wall.

    Too much stress can compromise your health.

    A small crack can compromise the strength of the glass.

    Similarweaken, impair, undermine, damage, harm

    Oppositestrengthen, boost, enhance, bolster

  5. 5
    nouncountable
    A giving up of something important in a way that harms your honor or beliefs.

    Like giving away something precious just to avoid a fight.

    Agreeing to lie felt like a compromise of his beliefs.

    Giving in to the bully was a sad compromise.

    Similarbetrayal, surrender, abandonment

    Note
  6. 6
    verbtransitive
    To break into a computer or security system without permission.

    Like a thief finding a way past a locked door.

    Hackers tried to compromise the school's computer system.

    One bad link can compromise your whole account.

    Similarbreach, hack, penetrate, infiltrate, crack

    Oppositesecure, protect, safeguard

  7. 7
    nouncountable or uncountable
    A break-in to a computer system where private information may have been seen or stolen.

    Like a burglar getting into a locked house and taking what is inside.

    The company reported a compromise of its customer data.

    A compromise of the system could expose private files.

    Similarbreach, intrusion, leak

    Note
  8. 8
    verbtransitive
    To put someone's safety or good name in danger, or make people suspect them, by something you cannot take back.

    Telling that secret could compromise your friend.

    A bad photo can compromise someone's good name.

    Similarjeopardize, endanger, damage, discredit, implicate

    Oppositeprotect, safeguard

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 9
    verbobsoletetransitive or intransitive
    To tie people to a deal that they have all agreed to with each other.
    Laban and himself were compromised / That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied / Should fall as Jacob's hire.
    c. 1596, William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”Here, compromised means bound to a deal they had both agreed to.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

It came through Middle French compromis, from a Latin word meaning a mutual promise to accept a judge's decision, built from com- "together" and promittere "to promise."