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.
Compromise is the opposite of 'my way or the highway'—it’s 'our way, even if it’s not perfect for either of us'. Interestingly, in security, 'to be compromised' means something has been weakened or exposed, like a password that’s been leaked.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.