Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - compromise

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English, mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision, from Anglo-French compromisse, from Latin compromissum, from neuter of compromissus, past participle of compromittere to promise mutually, from com- + promittere to promise — more at promise  Date: 15th century  1.  a. settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions  b. something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things  2. a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial a ~ of principles  II. verb  (-mised; -mising)  Date: 1598  transitive verb  1. obsolete to bind by mutual agreement  2. to adjust or settle by mutual concessions  3.  a. to expose to suspicion, discredit, or mischief his reputation has been ~d  b. to reveal or expose to an unauthorized person and especially to an enemy confidential information was ~d  c. to cause the impairment of a ~d immune system a seriously ~d patient  intransitive verb  1.  a. to come to agreement by mutual concession  b. to find or follow a way between extremes  2. to make a shameful or disreputable concession wouldn't ~ with their principles  • ~r noun