transitive verb compensated -·sat′ed, compensating -·sat′·ing

1. Now Rare to make up for; be a counterbalance to in weight, force, etc.
2. to make equivalent or suitable return to; recompense; pay to compensate an owner for land taken by a city
3. Mech. to counteract or make allowance for (a variation)

Etymology: < L compensatus, pp. of compensare, to weigh one thing against another < com-, with + pensare, freq. of pendere, to weigh: see pendant

intransitive verb

1. to make or serve as compensation or amends (for)
2. Psychol. to engage in compensation