adjective

compensatory

kum-PEN-suh-tor-ee/kəmˈpensətɔːri/

Intended to make up for a loss, disadvantage, or deficiency.

The ramp provides compensatory access beside the stairs.

Wheelchair ramp offsets stairs at public library entrance; East Asian wheelchair user approaches.

Etymology

comLatintogether

+pensLatinto weigh

+atoryFrenchserving to

Probably taken from or modeled on French compensatoire, the adjective carries the image of weighing one thing against another. Something compensatory supplies a counterweight to a loss, disadvantage, or injury.

In context

Prof. Sam Vaknin8:42

they pretend to be superior to cover up for an inferiority complex and that is known as compensatory mechanism

Narcissism - Quo Vadis? (with Anwesh Satpathy)

More examples

Extra tutoring provided compensatory support after the missed lessons.
The body showed a compensatory increase in another function.
The court distinguished compensatory damages from punishment.

Forms

compensatory

compensate verb — make up for a loss or disadvantage

Similar words

reparative: Reparative repairs harm; compensatory offsets a loss or disadvantage.
punitive: Punitive aims to punish; compensatory aims to make up for harm.