Dictionary

1compromise

noun com·pro·mise \ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz\

: a way of reaching agreement in which each person or group gives up something that was wanted in order to end an argument or dispute

: something that combines the qualities of two different things

: a change that makes something worse and that is not done for a good reason

Full Definition of COMPROMISE

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>
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Examples of COMPROMISE

  1. You can't always come up with the optimal solution, but you can usually come up with a better solution, he [Barack Obama] said over lunch one afternoon. A good compromise, a good piece of legislation, is like a good sentence. —William Finnegan, New Yorker, 31 May 2004

Origin of COMPROMISE

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
First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with COMPROMISE

advertise, agonize, alchemize, analyze, anglicize, anodize, anywise, aphorize, arborize, atomize, authorize, autolyze, balkanize, barbarize, bastardize, bestialize, bolshevize, booby prize, botanize, bowdlerize, brutalize, canalize, canonize, capsulize, caramelize, carbonize, cartelize, catalyze, catechize, cauterize, centralize, channelize, Christianize, cicatrize, circumcise, civilize, classicize, colonize, colorize, communize, concertize, concretize, creolize, criticize, customize, demonize, deputize, dialyze, digitize, disfranchise, dogmatize, dramatize, elegize, empathize, emphasize, energize, enfranchise, enterprise, equalize, erotize, eternize, etherize, eulogize, euphemize, exercise, exorcise, factorize, fantasize, federalize, feminize, fertilize, feudalize, fictionize, finalize, focalize, formalize, formulize, fossilize, fragmentize, fraternize, gallicize, galvanize, germanize, ghettoize, glamorize, globalize, gormandize, gothicize, gourmandize, grecianize, harmonize, heathenize, hebraize, hellenize, heroize, hierarchize, humanize, hybridize, hypnotize, idolize, immunize, iodize, ionize, ironize, Islamize, itemize, jeopardize, journalize, Judaize, laicize, latinize, legalize, lionize, liquidize, localize, magnetize, marbleize, martyrize, maximize, mechanize, melanize, melodize, memorize, merchandise, mesmerize, methodize, metricize, minimize, mobilize, modernize, moisturize, mongrelize, moralize, motorize, mythicize, narcotize, nasalize, nebulize, neutralize, normalize, notarize, novelize, obelize, odorize, optimize, organize, ostracize, otherwise, oversize, oxidize, paganize, palletize, paradise, paralyze, pasteurize, patronize, pauperize, penalize, penny-wise, personalize, pidginize, plasticize, Platonize, pluralize, pocket-size, poetize, polarize, polemize, pressurize, privatize, profitwise, prussianize, publicize, pulverize, racialize, randomize, rationalize, realize, recognize, rhapsodize, robotize, romanize, sanitize, satirize, scandalize, schematize, schismatize, scrutinize, sensitize, sermonize, signalize, simonize, sinicize, slenderize, sloganize, socialize, sodomize, solarize, solemnize, specialize, stabilize, Stalinize, standardize, sterilize, stigmatize, strategize, subsidize, summarize, supervise, syllogize, symbolize, sympathize, synchronize, syncretize, synopsize, synthesize, systemize, tantalize, televise, temporize, tenderize, terrorize, tetanize, teutonize, texturize, theorize, thermalize, totalize, tranquilize, traumatize, tyrannize, unionize, unitize, urbanize, utilize, valorize, vandalize, vaporize, verbalize, vernalize, victimize, vitalize, vocalize, vulcanize, vulgarize, weather-wise, weatherize, westernize, winterize, womanize, worldly-wise

2compromise

verb com·pro·mise \ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz\

: to give up something that you want in order to reach an agreement : to settle differences by means of a compromise

: to expose (something) to risk or danger

: to damage or weaken (something)

com·pro·misedcom·pro·mis·ing

Full Definition of COMPROMISE

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

Examples of COMPROMISE

  1. You don't make deals that compromise yourself or your team, of course, but you help other riders if you can, so they might return the favor. —Lance Armstrong, It's Not About the Bike, (2000) 2001

Origin of COMPROMISE

(see 1compromise)
First Known Use: 1598
COMPROMISER Defined for Kids

1compromise

noun com·pro·mise \ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz\

Definition of COMPROMISE for Kids

1
:  an agreement over a dispute reached by each side changing or giving up some demands <After much argument, they finally reached a compromise.>
2
:  something agreed upon as a result of each side changing or giving up some demands <Our compromise is to take turns with the toy.>

2compromise

verb
com·pro·misedcom·pro·mis·ing

Definition of COMPROMISE for Kids

1
:  to settle by agreeing that each side will change or give up some demands
2
:  to expose to risk, suspicion, or disgrace <A spy can compromise national security.>

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