overcompensation

[ oh-ver-kom-puhn-sey-shuhn ]

noun

, Psychoanalysis.

1. a pronounced striving to neutralize and conceal a strong but unacceptable character trait by substituting for it an opposite trait.
2. compensation to an unnecessary or unreasonable degree:

   The pay was overcompensation for the work done.

overcompensation

/ ˌəʊvəˌkɒmpɛnˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. psychol an attempt to make up for a character trait by overexaggerating its opposite

Other Words From

• o·ver·com·pen·sa·to·ry [oh, -ver-k, uh, m-, pen, -s, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of overcompensation¹

1915–20; over- + compensation; as psychoanalytic term, translation of Überkompensation, coined by Alfred Adler

Example Sentences

Bullying as overcompensation for obvious insecurity and resentment that the world does not view their mediocrity as excellence?

From Salon

The overcompensation led to a grand finale featuring both pro wrestler Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White, rather than the traditional activists and politicians one hears at a convention.

From Salon

It's definitely got an overcompensation vibe to it.

From Salon

He wore Kendall’s clothes and practiced self-doubt and the art of overcompensation.

From New York Times

The world of white nationalism is awash in the imagery of male overcompensation: Heavy weaponry, tactical gear, ugly tattoos, fighting poses.

From Salon