The word for today is…

compromise (noun) – 1. (a) A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.
(b) The result of such a settlement.
2. Something that combines qualities or elements of different things.
3. A weakening or reduction of one’s principles or standards.
4. Impairment, as by disease or injury.

(verb) – 1 (a) To expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute.
b. To reduce in quality, value, or degree; weaken or lower.
2. To impair, as by disease or injury.
3. To settle by mutual concessions.

Source : The Free Dictionary

Etymology : Early 15th century, “a joint promise to abide by an arbiter’s decision,” from Old French compromis (13th century), from Late Latin compromissus, past participle of compromittere “to make a mutual promise” (to abide by the arbiter’s decision), from com “with, together” + promittere “to send forth; let go; foretell; assure beforehand, promise,” from pro “before” (from PIE root *per-“forward,” hence “in front of, before”) + mittere “to release, let go; send, throw”.
The sense of “a coming to terms, a settlement of differences by mutual concessions” (mid-15th century) is from extension to the settlement itself. The meaning “that which results from such an agreement” is from 1510s.

Peter is a fourth-generation New Zealander, with his mother's and father's folks having arrived in New Zealand in the 1870s. He lives in Lower Hutt with his wife, some cats and assorted computers. His...