First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1recompense
verb rec·om·pense \ˈre-kəm-ˌpen(t)s\
: to give something (such as money) to (someone) as a reward or as a payment for loss or suffering
rec·om·pensedrec·om·pens·ing
Full Definition of RECOMPENSE
transitive verb
1
a : to give something to by way of compensation (as for a service rendered or damage incurred) b : to pay for
2
: to return in kind : requite
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See recompense defined for kids
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Origin of RECOMPENSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French recompenser, from Late Latin recompensare, from Latin re- + compensare to compensate
Related to RECOMPENSE
- Synonyms
- compensate, pay, remunerate
- Antonyms
- repudiate
Synonym Discussion of RECOMPENSE
pay, compensate, remunerate, satisfy, reimburse, indemnify, repay, recompense mean to give money or its equivalent in return for something. pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred <paid their bills>. compensate implies a making up for services rendered <an attorney well compensated for her services>. remunerate clearly suggests paying for services rendered and may extend to payment that is generous or not contracted for <promised to remunerate the searchers handsomely>. satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law <all creditors will be satisfied in full>. reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit <reimbursed employees for expenses>. indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, or warfare <indemnified the families of the dead miners>. repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount <repay a favor with a favor>. recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward <passengers were recompensed for the delay>.
2recompense
noun
: something that is given to or done to thank or reward someone or to pay someone for loss or suffering
Full Definition of RECOMPENSE
: an equivalent or a return for something done, suffered, or given : compensation <offered in recompense for injuries>
See recompense defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RECOMPENSE
15th century
Related to RECOMPENSE
Rhymes with RECOMPENSE
RECOMPENSE Defined for Kids
1recompense
verb rec·om·pense \ˈre-kəm-ˌpens\
rec·om·pensedrec·om·pens·ing
Definition of RECOMPENSE for Kids
: to pay for or pay back <He was recompensed for his loss.>
2recompense
noun
Definition of RECOMPENSE for Kids
: something given in return for damage or suffering
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