1 tr. (often foll. by for) recompense (a person) (compensated him for his loss).
2 intr. (usu. foll. by for a thing, to a person) make amends (compensated for the insult; will compensate to her in full).
3 tr. counterbalance.
4 tr. Mech. provide (a pendulum etc.) with extra or less weight etc. to neutralize the effects of temperature etc.
5 intr. Psychol. offset a disability or frustration by development in another direction.
Derivatives:
compensative adj. compensator n. compensatory adj.
Etymology: L compensare (as COM-, pensare frequent. of pendere pens- weigh)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.