ˈkämpənˌsāt, -ˌpen-, archaic kəmˈpen- or kämˈ-; usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin compensatus, past participle of compensare, from compensus, past participle of compendere to weigh
transitive verb
1. : to be equivalent to (as in value or effect) : make up for : counterbalance
compensating evil with good
her vanity, dearth of brains, and excessive sentimentality were compensated by her kindness — E.J.Simmons
2. : to make proper payment to : requite suitably : remunerate : recompense
compensate a worker injured on his job
specifically civil law : to extinguish or satisfy (as a claim) by compensation
3. physics : to provide with means of counteracting variation
compensate a magnetic needle
: neutralize the effect of (variation or varying parts)
4. : to alter gradient on (curved portions of railroad track) so that total resistance to movement equals that for tangent track
intransitive verb
: to make amends : supply an equivalent — used with for
compensate for his feelings of loneliness by assertions of superiority — W.H.Auden
Synonyms: see pay