n. 1. The act of compensating or the state of being compensated.
2. Something, such as money, given or received as payment or reparation, as for a service or loss.
3. Biology The increase in size or activity of one part of an organism or organ that makes up for the loss or dysfunction of another.
4. Psychology The act of consciously or unconsciously changing one's behavior to offset a real or imagined deficiency, as in personality or physical ability.