to make equal return to; to remunerate; to recompense; to give an equivalent to; to requite suitably; as, to compensate a laborer for his work, or a merchant for his losses.-to be equivalent in value or effect to; to counterbalance; to make up for; to make amends for.-to make amends; to supply an equivalent; -- followed by for; as, nothing can compensate for the loss of reputation.