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.
Words nearby overcompensate
overcoat, the, overcoating, overcoil, overcome, overcommit, overcompensate, overcompensation, overcomplex, overconfident, overconsumption, overcook
Origin of overcompensate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for over-compensate
overcompensate
/ (ˌəʊvəˈkɒmpɛnˌseɪt) /
verb
to compensate (a person or thing) excessively
(intr) psychol to engage in overcompensation
Derived forms of overcompensate
overcompensatory, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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