Com"pen*sate Compensating.] [L. compensatus, p. p. of compensare, prop., to weigh several things with one another, to balance with one another, verb intens. fr. compendere. See Compendum.]
1.
To make equal return to; to remunerate; to recompence; to give an equivalent to; to requite suitably; as, to compensate a laborer for his work, or a merchant for his losses.
2.
To be equivalent in value or effect to; to counterbalance; to make up for; to make amends for.
The length of the night and the dews thereof do compensate the heat of the day.
Bacon.
The pleasures of life do not compensate the miseries.
Prior.
Syn. -- To recompense; remunerate; indemnify; reward; requite; counterbalance.
© Webster 1913.
Com"pen*sate, v. i.
To make amends; to supply an equivalent; -- followed by for; as, nothing can compensate for the loss of reputation.
© Webster 1913.