compensate

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Compensated; p. pr. & vb. n. 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 Compendium. ] 1. To make equal return to; to remunerate; to recompense; to give an equivalent to; to requite suitably; as, to compensate a laborer for his work, or a merchant for his losses. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To be equivalent in value or effect to; to counterbalance; to make up for; to make amends for. [ 1913 Webster ]

The length of the night and the dews thereof do compensate the heat of the day. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

The pleasures of life do not compensate the miseries. Prior.

Syn. -- To recompense; remunerate; indemnify; reward; requite; counterbalance. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To make amends; to supply an equivalent; -- followed by for; as, nothing can compensate for the loss of reputation. [ 1913 Webster ]