noun
compromise
KOMP-ruh-myz
noun
1
An agreement reached when each side gives up part of what it wants.
"After hours of negotiation, both sides reached a compromise."
verb
1
To settle a disagreement by each side making concessions.
"They compromised on a start time that suited everyone."
2
To weaken or damage something, or expose it to risk.
"The leak compromised the integrity of the entire structure."
"Hackers compromised the company's customer database."
How to Use Compromise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA middle-ground agreement, or to weaken/damage something (including a security breach).
Common pairings
reach a compromise
compromise security
willing to compromise
Word Forms
compromised past tense, compromises plural, compromises singular
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After hours of negotiation, both sides reached a _____.
Etymology
From Latin compromissum, "a mutual promise to accept an arbiter's decision," from com- ("together") + promittere ("to promise").