compromise
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
compromises
plural
compromises
Britannica Dictionary definition of COMPROMISE
1
:
a way of reaching agreement in which each person or group gives up something that was wanted in order to end an argument or dispute
— often used before another noun
[noncount]
-
the art of political compromise
-
To avoid an argument, always be ready to seek compromise.
[count]
-
Both boys will have to make compromises if they are to share the room. [=they will each have to give up something in order to get along]
-
The two sides were unable to reach a compromise. [=unable to come to an agreement]
-
a compromise agreement/amendment/verdict/measure
2
[count]
:
something that combines the qualities of two different things
— often + between
-
The style is a happy compromise between formal and informal.
3
:
a change that makes something worse and that is not done for a good reason
[noncount]
-
a director who will not tolerate artistic compromise
[count]
-
She says that accepting their proposal would be a compromise of her principles.
2
compromise
/ˈkɑːmprəˌmaɪz/
verb
compromises;
compromised;
compromising
2
compromise
/ˈkɑːmprəˌmaɪz/
verb
compromises;
compromised;
compromising
Britannica Dictionary definition of COMPROMISE
1
[no object]
:
to give up something that you want in order to reach an agreement
:
to settle differences by means of a compromise
— often + on
-
The two sides were unwilling/unable to compromise.
-
They are unwilling to compromise (with each other) on this issue.
2
[+ object]
:
to expose (something) to risk or danger
:
endanger
-
We can't reveal that information without compromising national security.
3
[+ object]
:
to damage or weaken (something)
:
impair
-
a dangerous drug that can further compromise an already weakened immune system
4
[+ object]
:
to damage (your reputation, integrity, etc.) by doing something that causes people to lose respect for you
-
He refused to do anything that might compromise his reputation/integrity/principles.
-
She had already compromised herself by refusing to answer their questions.
