decompensate

[dee-kom-puhn-seyt]

verb (used without object)

decompensated, decompensating 

1. Psychology.,  to lose the ability to maintain normal or appropriate psychological defenses, sometimes resulting in depression, anxiety, or delusions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of decompensate¹

de- + compensate ( def. 6 )

Example Sentences

Ultimately, he may decompensate to the point of gross paranoid psychosis with even more obvious incitement to riots and civil war rather than accept the reality that he has been finally held accountable.

From Salon

As we watch Amy slowly decompensate, trapped between her boarded-up windows and creepy basement, it’s unclear whether her most urgent threat will come from without or within.

From New York Times

And staying institutionalized for longer than necessary can cause people to decompensate and come off the discharge list.

From Seattle Times

“I am sick about it that so much time has elapsed and we are seeing children and adolescents decompensate to the point of needing hospitalizations and ICU care in these increasing numbers.”

From Seattle Times

“We’ve had reports of And those become very difficult conversations to have as the patient continues to decompensate,” Whitlock said.

From Seattle Times

When To Use

What does decompensate mean?

To decompensate means to lose the ability to maintain one’s state of mental health, typically due to some kind of stress.The word decompensate is most often applied to someone who is having a breakdown in their mental health mechanisms, especially someone who has an existing mental illness or psychological condition.Example: If the patient loses their normal support system, they may decompensate, resulting in an aggravation of their condition.