compromise

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

1. The two sides were unwilling to compromise.
2. We can't reveal that information without compromising national security.
3. a dangerous drug that can further compromise an already weakened immune system
4. 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
5. The book is compromised by the author's lack of selectivity. —Amy Hempel, Ms., October/November 1999
6. Our plan had been to pass a good balanced budget without compromising its essential components … —Tony Blankley, George, September 1997
7. 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
8. Finally, the two sides compromised and a treaty was signed … —Alfredo Quarto, Cultural Survival Quarterly, 1990

Origin of COMPROMISE

(see ¹compromise)

First Known Use: 1598

Related to COMPROMISE

Synonyms: adventure, endanger, gamble (with), hazard, imperil, jeopard, jeopardize, menace, peril, risk, venture

Antonyms: doctor, fix, mend, patch, rebuild, recondition, reconstruct, renovate, repair, revamp

Related Words: intimidate, threaten; expose; subject; chance, wager

Near Antonyms: guard, protect, shelter, shield; preserve, resume, save

see all synonyms and antonyms

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