<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to recompense for something:<ul><li>They gave him ten dollars to compensate him for his trouble.</li><li>Synonyms: pay, reward, remunerate</li></ul></li><li>to counterbalance; offset; be equivalent to:<ul><li>He compensated his homely appearance with great personal charm.</li><li>Synonyms: countervail, counterpoise</li></ul></li><li>Mechanics: to counterbalance (a force or the like); adjust or construct so as to offset or counterbalance variations or produce equilibrium.</li><li>to change the gold content of (a monetary unit) to counterbalance price fluctuations and thereby stabilize its purchasing power.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) to provide or be an equivalent; make up; make amends (usually followed by for):<ul><li>His occasional courtesies did not compensate for his general rudeness.</li><li>Synonyms: atone</li></ul></li><li>Psychology: to develop or employ mechanisms of compensation.</li></ul>