Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COM'PRO-MIT, v.t. [Fr. compromettre; It. compromettere; Sp. comprometer; L. compromitto; com and promitto, to promise.]

To pledge or engage, by some act or declaration, which may not be a direct promise, but which renders necessary some future act. Hence, to put to hazard, by some previous act or measure, which cannot be recalled; as, to compromit the honor or the safety of a nation.