decompensate

American  

[dee-kom-puhn-seyt] / diˈkɒm pənˌseɪt /

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.

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of decompensate

de- + compensate ( def. 6 )

Example Sentences

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 • Feb. 7, 2023

“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 • Feb. 20, 2022

“The ability to continuously remotely monitor” is key, Wright said, because covid-19 patients “can decompensate quickly” and need to be moved to intensive care.

From Washington Post • Apr. 17, 2020

Would I bet my license that you won’t decompensate if I don’t admit you?

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2020

Are you so sugar deprived the rest of the year that you have to decompensate by adding more sugar to your dessert?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2014