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Webster 1913 Edition

Compromise

Com′pro-mise

,
Noun.
[F.
compromis
, fr. L.
compromissum
a mutual promise to abide by the decision of an arbiter, fr.
compromittere
to make such a promise;
com-
+
promittere
to promise. See
Promise
.]
1.
A mutual agreement to refer matters in dispute to the decision of arbitrators.
[Obs.]
Burrill.
2.
A settlement by arbitration or by mutual consent reached by concession on both sides; a reciprocal abatement of extreme demands or rights, resulting in an agreement.
But basely yielded upon
compromise

That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows.
Shakespeare
All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on
compromise
and barter.
Burke.
An abhorrence of concession and
compromise
is a never failing characteristic of religious factions.
Hallam.
3.
A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender;
as, a
compromise
of character or right
.
I was determined not to accept any fine speeches, to the
compromise
of that sex the belonging to which was, after all, my strongest claim and title to them.
Lamb.

Com′pro-mise

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Compromised
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Compromising
.]
[From
Compromise
,
Noun.
; cf.
Compromit
.]
1.
To bind by mutual agreement; to agree.
[Obs.]
Laban and himself were
compromised

That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied
Should fall as Jacob’s hire.
Shakespeare
2.
To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.
The controversy may easily be
compromised
.
Fuller.
3.
To pledge by some act or declaration; to endanger the life, reputation, etc., of, by some act which can not be recalled; to expose to suspicion.
To pardon all who had been
compromised
in the late disturbances.
Motley.

Com′pro-mise

,
Verb.
I.
1.
To agree; to accord.
[Obs.]
2.
To make concession for conciliation and peace.

Webster 1828 Edition

Compromise

COMPROMISE

,
Noun.
[L. To give bond to stand to an award, to promise. See Promise.]
1.
A mutual promise or contract of two parties in controversy, to refer their differences to the decision of arbitrators.
2.
An amicable agreement between parties in controversy, to settle their differences by mutual concessions.
3.
Mutual agreement; adjustment.
[This is its usual signification.]

COMPROMISE

, v.t.
1.
To adjust and settle a difference by mutual agreement, with concessions of claims by the parties; to compound.
2.
To agree; to accord.
3.
To commit; to put to hazard; to pledge by some act or declaration.
[In this sense, see Compromit, which is generally used.]

Definition 2024

compromise

compromise

English

Noun

compromise ‎(plural compromises)

  1. The settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions.
    • Shakespeare
      But basely yielded upon compromise / That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows.
    • Burke
      All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.
    • Hallam
      An abhorrence of concession and compromise is a never failing characteristic of religious factions.
  2. A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender.
    a compromise of character or right
    • Lamb
      I was determined not to accept any fine speeches, to the compromise of that sex the belonging to which was, after all, my strongest claim and title to them.
  3. In data security, a violation of the security system such that an unauthorized disclosure or loss of sensitive information may have occurred, or the unauthorized disclosure or loss itself.
    • Dennis Longley, Michael Shain, William Caelli, Information Security: Dictionary of Concepts, Standards and Terms, Stockton Press, New York (NY), 1992

Related terms

Translations

External links

  • compromise in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • compromise in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

Verb

compromise ‎(third-person singular simple present compromises, present participle compromising, simple past and past participle compromised)

  1. (transitive, intransitive) To bind by mutual agreement.
    • Shakespeare
      Laban and himself were compromised / That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied / Should fall as Jacob's hire.
  2. To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.
    • Fuller
      The controversy may easily be compromised.
  3. (intransitive) To find a way between extremes.
  4. To pledge by some act or declaration; to endanger the life, reputation, etc., of, by some act which can not be recalled; to expose to suspicion.
    • Motley
      To pardon all who had been compromised in the late disturbances.
  5. (transitive) To cause impairment of.
  6. (transitive) To breach (a security system).
    He tried to compromise the security in the computer by guessing the password.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Italian

Verb

compromise

  1. third-person singular past historic of compromettere

Etymology

From Middle French compromis, from Medieval Latin, Late Latin compromissum ‎(“a compromise, originally a mutual promise to refer to arbitration”), prop. neuter of Latin compromissus, past participle of compromittere ‎(“to make a mutual promise to abide by the decision of an arbiter”), from com- ‎(“together”) + promittere ‎(“to promise”); see promise.

Pronunciation

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