compromise
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1com·pro·mise
noun \ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz\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>
See Examples of COMPROMISE
- the art of political compromise
- To avoid an argument, always be ready to seek compromise.
- a director who will not tolerate artistic compromise
- She says that accepting their proposal would be a compromise of her principles.
- “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
- I therefore proposed a … strategy that raised the possibility of compromise … —Robert S. McNamara, In Retrospect, 1995
- I've had other films that were successful, but I'm aware of the compromises I made—and they were tremendous. —Woody Allen, Rolling Stone,16 Sept. 1993
- In his promotion of burgeoning black writers, however, Hughes made no compromises. —Rita Dove, New York Times Book Review, 9 Oct. 1988
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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
Related to COMPROMISE
- Synonyms
- accommodation, concession, give-and-take, negotiation
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
2com·pro·mise
verb \ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz\com·pro·misedcom·pro·mis·ing
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
- The two sides were unwilling to compromise.
- We can't reveal that information without compromising national security.
- a dangerous drug that can further compromise an already weakened immune system
- 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
- The book is compromised by the author's lack of selectivity. —Amy Hempel, Ms., October/November 1999
- Our plan had been to pass a good balanced budget without compromising its essential components … —Tony Blankley, George, September 1997
- Lieutenant Charon would get a pat on the back from his captain … not to mention congratulations for running such a quiet and effective operation that had not compromised his informants … —Tom Clancy, Without Remorse, 1994
- Finally, the two sides compromised and a treaty was signed … —Alfredo Quarto, Cultural Survival Quarterly, 1990
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Origin of COMPROMISE
(see 1compromise)
First Known Use: 1598
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