a middle way between two extremes
"The team finally reached a compromise by choosing a meeting time that was neither too early nor too late for everyone."
an accommodation in which both sides make concessions
"the newly elected congressmen rejected a compromise because they considered it `business as usual'"
The settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions.
"The two rival factions finally compromised after both sides agreed to lower their demands and share control of the territory."
In plain English: A compromise is when two people give up something they want so they can both agree on a solution that works for everyone.
"They reached a compromise by meeting halfway on the price."
Usage: Use the noun form to describe an agreement where both sides make concessions, such as a political compromise on new laws. Do not confuse this with "compromised," which describes something weakened rather than mutually agreed upon.
make a compromise; arrive at a compromise
"nobody will get everything he wants; we all must compromise"
settle by concession
"The two neighbors finally compromised and agreed to split the cost of repairing the fence."
expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute
"The nuclear secrets of the state were compromised by the spy"
To bind by mutual agreement.
"The two rival factions compromised on a ceasefire to end the conflict."
In plain English: To compromise means to give up something you want so that both sides can agree on a solution.
"They had to compromise on the price so we could agree on everything else."
The word compromise entered English from Middle French and originally referred to a mutual agreement to submit a dispute to arbitration for resolution. It combines the Latin roots meaning "together" and "to promise," reflecting its early sense of parties jointly pledging to abide by an arbiter's decision.