Compromises

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

Definitions

• 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 compromise of principles>