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compensate

3 syllables

verb

Quick answer

As a verb, compensate means do (something good) after (something bad) happens.

Meanings of compensate

9 meanings

verb

To do (something good) after (something bad) happens
To pay or reward someone in exchange for work done or some other consideration.
“It is hard work, but they will compensate you well for it.”
To make up for; to do something in place of something else; to correct, satisfy; to reach an agreement such that the scales are literally or (metaphorically) balanced; to equalize or make even.
“His loud voice cannot compensate for a lack of personality.”
“To compensate me for his tree landing on my shed, my neighbor paved my driveway.”
To adjust or adapt to a change, often a harm or deprivation.
“I don't like driving that old car because it always steers a little to the left so I'm forever compensating for that when I drive it. Trust me, it gets annoying real fast.”
“To compensate for his broken leg, Gary uses crutches.”
Make amends for; pay compensation for
“One can never fully repair the suffering and losses of the Jews in the Third Reich”
“She was compensated for the loss of her arm in the accident”
Similar: recompense, repair, indemnify
Make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities
“he is compensating for being a bad father”
Similar: cover, overcompensate
Make reparations or amends for
“right a wrong done to the victims of the Holocaust”
Similar: right, redress, correct
Do or give something to somebody in return
“Does she pay you for the work you are doing?”
Similar: pay, pay off, make up
Make payment to; compensate
“My efforts were not remunerated”
Similar: recompense, remunerate