verb (used with object), o·ver·com·pen·sat·ed, o·ver·com·pen·sat·ing.
- to compensate or reward excessively; overpay: Some stockholders feel the executives are being overcompensated and that bonuses should be reduced.
verb (used without object), o·ver·com·pen·sat·ed, o·ver·com·pen·sat·ing.
- to exhibit psychological overcompensation; strive to overcome a sense of inferiority through overt, opposite behavior: The aggressive patient may be overcompensating, and be a profoundly shy person beneath the façade.
verb
- to compensate (a person or thing) excessively
- (intr) psychol to engage in overcompensation