compromettre

The French verb "compromettre" means to compromise, to jeopardize, or to put at risk. It is often used when something is endangered or situations where someone's reputation, security, or success could be negatively affected.

Meaning:

• To cause something to be in danger or at risk.
• To harm or undermine someone's image, position, or chances.
• To compromize a condition or agreement.

Examples:

• "Il a compromis la sécurité du système." – He compromised the system's security.
• "Ne divulgue pas cette information, tu pourrais compromettre notre plan." – Don’t reveal that information, you could jeopardize our plan.
• "Son comportement a compromis sa carrière." – His behavior has compromised his career.

Synonyms and nuances:

• Mettre en danger: To put in danger; a more straightforward expression focused solely on risk.
• Menacer: To threaten; can be general or figurative, used for potential risk.
• Porter atteinte à: To harm; often used to describe damage to reputation or rights.
• Sauvegarder (antonym): To safeguard or protect.

Difference with related words:

• Endommager / abîmer: These mean to damage physically and are not interchangeable with "compromettre" unless figurative risk is expressed.
• Jouer avec: Literally, "to play with," can informally mean exposing to risk, but less formal than "compromettre."

In summary, "compromettre" strongly implies putting something valuable or important at risk, often in a serious or consequential way.