Definitions for overcompensateˌoʊ vərˈkɒm pənˌseɪt
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
o•ver•com•pen•sateˌoʊ vərˈkɒm pənˌseɪt(v.)-sat•ed, -sat•ing.
(v.t.)to compensate excessively.
Category: Common Vocabulary
(v.i.)to perform more strenuously than required to overcome a defect.
Category: Psychiatry, Common Vocabulary
Origin of overcompensate:
1760–70
o`ver•com•pen′sa•to`ry-kəmˈpɛn səˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i(adj.)
Princeton's WordNet
cover, compensate, overcompensate(verb)
make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities
"he is compensating for being a bad father"
over-correct, overcompensate(verb)
make excessive corrections for fear of making an error
Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary
overcompensate(verb)ˌoʊ vərˈkɒm pənˌseɪt
to do more than is necessary when trying to correct a problem
He overcompensated for the time he'd been away, by trying to spend all his time with his family.
Wiktionary
overcompensate(Verb)
To do an excessive amount in one area in an effort to overcome a perceived lack in another area.
overcompensate(Verb)
To provide excessive pay or reward for work performed.
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