1.
[syn: compromise, via media]
2. an accommodation in which both sides make concessions;
- Example: "the newly elected congressmen rejected a compromise because they considered it `business as usual'"
VERB (3)
1. make a compromise; arrive at a compromise;
- Example: "nobody will get everything he wants we all must compromise";
2. settle by concession;
3. expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute;
- Example: "The nuclear secrets of the state were compromised by the spy"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Compromise \Com"pro*mise\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Compromised; p.
pr. & vb. n. Compromising.] [From Compromise, n.; cf.
Compromit.]
1. To bind by mutual agreement; to agree. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Laban and himself were compromised
That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied
Should fall as Jacob's hire. --Shak.
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2. To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.
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The controversy may easily be compromised. --Fuller.
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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.
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To pardon all who had been compromised in the late
disturbances. --Motley.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Compromise \Com"pro*mise\, n. [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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
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But basely yielded upon compromise
That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows.
--Shak.
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All government, indeed every human benefit and
enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is
founded on compromise and barter. --Burke.
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An abhorrence of concession and compromise is a
never failing characteristic of religious factions.
--Hallam.
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3. A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a
prejudicial concession; a surrender; as, a compromise of
character or right.
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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.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Compromise \Com"pro*mise\, v. i.
1. To agree; to accord. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
2. To make concession for conciliation and peace.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
compromise
n 1: a middle way between two extremes [syn: compromise, via
media]
2: an accommodation in which both sides make concessions; "the
newly elected congressmen rejected a compromise because they
considered it `business as usual'"
v 1: make a compromise; arrive at a compromise; "nobody will get
everything he wants; we all must compromise"
2: settle by concession
3: expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute;
"The nuclear secrets of the state were compromised by the
spy"
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):
COMPROMISE, n. Such an adjustment of conflicting interests as gives
each adversary the satisfaction of thinking he has got what he ought
not to have, and is deprived of nothing except what was justly his
due.