kompromat

American  

[kom-pruh-mat] / ˈkɒm prəˌmæt /

noun

Russian.

1. compromising and incriminating material that is sometimes forged or fabricated, used to sabotage or discredit a political opponent or public figure.

   Kompromat can destabilize the political process and undermine trust in governments and institutions.

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Etymology

Origin of kompromat

First recorded in 1990–95; short for kompro(metiruyushchiy) mat(erial), literally, “compromising material”

Example Sentences

It was a similar story in the second half, where the hydration break seemed to prompt an upturn in England's performance.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

"We try to make it fun," says Cem Bakiş, head of business development at WaterH, which has a glowing ring that blinks in order to prompt its owner to take a drink.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

The suggestion by a Korean member of parliament last week of a windfall tax on chip manufacturers was enough to prompt a 5% drop in the Kospi in a matter of hours.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

Saturday’s incident is sure to prompt a reassessment within the Secret Service of preparations for a site it has secured dozens of times in recent decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Anya hooked her hands under his shoulder and tugged him, trying to prompt him to sit up.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack