[com.pen.sa.tion] n (14c) 1 a: the act of compensating: the state of being compensated b: correction of an organic defect or loss by hypertrophy or by increased functioning of another organ or unimpaired parts of the same organ c: a psychological mechanism by which feelings of inferiority, frustration, or failure in one field are counterbalanced by achievement in another
2. a (1): something that constitutes an equivalent or recompense "age has its ~s" (2): payment to unemployed or injured workers or their dependents b: payment, remuneration -- com.pen.sa.tion.al adj