compensate

Universal Words verb 1 [V] ~ (for sth) to provide sth good to balance or reduce the bad effects of damage, loss, etc. SYNMAKEUPFOR: Nothing can compensate for the loss of a loved one. 2 [VN] ~ sb (for sth) to pay sb money because they have suffered some damage, loss, injury, etc: Her lawyers say she should be compensated both for her injuries and for the suffering she had been caused. compensatory adjective: He received a compensatory payment of $20000.