com·pen·sa·to·ry
| \ kəm-ˈpen(t)-sə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr-
\
\
Medical Definition of compensatory
: making up for a loss
especially
: serving as psychological or physiological compensation
compensatory enlargement of the heart to overcome this feeling of inferiority by developing such compensatory mechanisms as intelligent aggression or shrewdness — Edward Sapir
Learn More About compensatory
Cite this Entry
“Compensatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/compensatory. Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Test Your Vocabulary
Difficult Spelling Words Quiz
-
- Which is the correct spelling?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share compensatory