recompense

[ rek-uhm-pens ]

verb (used with object)

, rec·om·pensed, rec·om·pens·ing.

1. to repay; remunerate; reward, as for service, aid, etc.

   Synonyms: recoup, reimburse

2. to pay or give compensation for; make restitution or requital for (damage, injury, or the like).

verb (used without object)

, rec·om·pensed, rec·om·pens·ing.

1. to make compensation for something; repay someone:

   no attempt to recompense for our trouble.

noun

1. compensation, as for an injury, wrong, etc.:

   to make recompense for the loss one's carelessness has caused.

   Synonyms: satisfaction, indemnification, amends, payment

2. a repayment or requital, as for favors, gifts, etc.
3. a remuneration or reward, as for services, aid, or the like.

recompense

/ ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns /

verb

1. tr to pay or reward for service, work, etc
2. tr to compensate for loss, injury, etc

noun

1. compensation for loss, injury, etc

   to make recompense

2. reward, remuneration, or repayment

Derived Forms

• ˈrecomˌpenser, noun
• ˈrecomˌpensable, adjective

Other Words From

• recom·pensa·ble adjective
• recom·penser noun
• under·recom·pense verb (used with object) underrecompensed underrecompensing noun
• unrec·om·pensa·ble adjective
• un·recom·pensed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recompense¹

1375–1425; (v.) late Middle English < Middle French recompenser < Late Latin recompēnsāre, equivalent to Latin re- re- + compēnsāre ( compensate ); (noun) late Middle English < Middle French, derivative of recompenser

Word History and Origins

Origin of recompense¹

C15: from Old French recompenser , from Latin re- + compensāre to balance in weighing; see compensate

Synonym Study

See reward.

Example Sentences

President Trump, emboldened after the special counsel said he did not find evidence of a criminal conspiracy to sway the 2016 election, has an early target as he seeks recompense from his critics: Rep.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s no recompense that can fully heal the pain caused by the sexual violation,” Cardenas said at a news conference Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

This cycle of governmental theft, recompense and reinjury lives on, the federal judge said in her 2022 ruling.

From Los Angeles Times

That may not suit the broader public’s vision of justice or the grander goals of the justice system, which involve recompense not just to a victim but the paying of a debt to society more broadly.

From Slate

If he feels like the scales aren’t balanced between action and recompense ...

From Los Angeles Times