Main Entry: com·pen·sa·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌkäm-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen-\

Function: noun

1 : correction of an organic defect by excessive development or by increased functioning of another organ or unimpaired parts of the same organ <cardiac compensation>—see decompensation
2 : a psychological mechanism by which feelings of inferiority, frustration, or failure in one field are counterbalanced by achievement in another