Compromised
'kɒmprəmaɪzd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo have been exposed to danger, damage, or suspicion; to have one's integrity or principles weakened.
'kɒmprəmaɪzd
To have one's integrity or principles undermined; to be weakened or damaged.
The data security of the company was compromised by a cyberattack.
💡 Simply: Imagine your secret code to your online game got out. Your account is now compromised, meaning someone else can use it! If your favorite ice cream is gone, the situation is also compromised!
👶 For kids: If something is compromised, it means it's not safe or good anymore. Like if your secret fort gets found, it's compromised!
More Examples
His judgment was compromised by his personal feelings.
The mission was compromised when the secret agent's cover was blown.
How It's Used
"The politician's reputation was compromised by the scandal."
"The security system was compromised by a hacker."
To expose to danger or suspicion; to make vulnerable.
'kɒmprəmaɪzd
To expose to danger or suspicion.
His credibility was compromised by the allegations.
💡 Simply: Imagine you tell your friend a secret, and then they tell someone else. Your secret has been compromised, meaning it's no longer a secret and could cause problems!
👶 For kids: If you compromised something, it means you made it unsafe or you broke a promise, like if you told a secret that you shouldn't have.
More Examples
The investigation was compromised by leaks to the press.
The integrity of the scientific study was compromised by inaccurate data.
How It's Used
"The spy's identity was compromised when his contact was captured."
"The affair compromised their marriage."
From French compromis, past participle of compromettre, meaning 'to agree upon by compromise', from Latin compromittere, 'to promise mutually'.
The word has been used for centuries to refer to situations where something is at risk or no longer secure, often in legal or diplomatic contexts. Its usage in technology and data security is relatively recent, but now widely used.
Memory tip
Think of a security system being COMPROMISED, meaning it's been broken into or made vulnerable.
Word Origin
"To agree by mutual promise, to put at risk."