com·pro·mise (k m pr -m z )n. 1. a. A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions. b. The result of such a settlement. 2. Something that combines qualities or elements of different things: The incongruous design is a compromise between high tech and early American. 3. A concession to something detrimental or pejorative: a compromise of morality. v. com·pro·mised, com·pro·mis·ing, com·pro·mis·es v.intr. 1. To arrive at a settlement by making concessions. 2. To reduce the quality, value, or degree of something. v.tr. 1. a. To expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute: a secret mission that was compromised and had to be abandoned; compromise one's standing in the community. b. To reduce in quality, value, or degree; weaken or lower. 2. To impair by disease or injury: an immune system that was compromised by a virus. 3. To settle by mutual concessions: a dispute that was compromised. [Middle English compromis, from Old French, from Latin compr  missum, mutual promise, from neuter past participle of comprmittere, to promise mutually : com-, com- + prmittere, to promise; see promise.]com pro·miser n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | compromising - making or willing to make concessions; "loneliness tore through him...whenever he thought of...even the compromising Louis du Tillet" uncompromising, inflexible, sturdy - not making concessions; "took an uncompromising stance in the peace talks"; "uncompromising honesty" |
| 2. | compromising - vulnerable to danger especially of discredit or suspicion; "she found herself in a compromising situation" vulnerable - susceptible to attack; "a vulnerable bridge" |
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