As a noun, a compromise is an agreement where each side gives up part of what it wants to reach a middle ground. As a verb, to compromise means to settle a disagreement this way or to weaken something by exposing it to risk.
From Latin 'compromissum', meaning 'a mutual promise', from 'com-' ('together') and 'promittere' ('to promise'). It entered English through French law language, keeping the sense of shared agreement.
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