Compense

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /kəmˈpɛns/

Definitions

1. To make amends for a disadvantage or loss by supplying equivalent value or benefit
2. To counteract an effect or hardship through the provision of compensation or an offsetting measure
3. To give something in exchange for loss or injury sustained ; to supply recompense in response to effort or harm encountered

Etymology: Compense is a shortened form of "compensate," reaching English through French "compenser." The image behind it is physical: the Latin "compensare" meant to weigh one thing against another, as on a set of scales, until the two sides balanced. Latin formed that verb from "com-," meaning "together," and "pensare," "to weigh," a frequentative of "pendere," "to hang." To compensate for a loss was imagined as placing something on the opposite pan until the load evened out again.

Synonyms: recompense, compensate, repay, make amends, offset

Antonyms: penalize, punish, forfeit, lose, deprive