definitions

overcompensate

[ oh-ver-kom-puh n-seyt ]
/ ˌoʊ vərˈkɒm pənˌseɪt /

verb (used with object), o·ver·com·pen·sat·ed, o·ver·com·pen·sat·ing.

to compensate or reward excessively; overpay: Some stockholders feel the executives are being overcompensated and that bonuses should be reduced.

verb (used without object), o·ver·com·pen·sat·ed, o·ver·com·pen·sat·ing.

to exhibit psychological overcompensation; strive to overcome a sense of inferiority through overt, opposite behavior: The aggressive patient may be overcompensating, and be a profoundly shy person beneath the façade.

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RELATED WORDS

counterpoise, countervail, retrieve, atone, redress, recoup, expiate, return, recover, propitiate, pay, fix, reciprocate, compensate, square, satisfy, grease, indemnify, reimburse, remunerate

Nearby words

overcoat, the, overcoating, overcoil, overcome, overcommit, overcompensate, overcompensation, overcomplex, overconfident, overconsumption, overcook

Origin of overcompensate

1760–70; over- + compensate; as term in psychology, perhaps back formation from overcompensation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for over-compensate

overcompensate

/ (ˌəʊvəˈkɒmpɛnˌseɪt) /

verb

to compensate (a person or thing) excessively
(intr) psychol to engage in overcompensation

Derived Forms

overcompensatory, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012