overcompensation
UK[ˌəʊvəˌkɒmpenˈseɪʃən]US[ˌoʊvərˌkɑːmpenˈseɪʃən]
n
An attempt to make up for a real or imagined weakness or failing by trying too hard in another area.
n
(In psychology) an exaggerated attempt to overcome a perceived psychological deficiency, often resulting in extreme behavior.
Morpheme Breakdown
over
compensation
over
excessively
compensation
making up for something
Etymology
The word is a modern compound built from established English elements. The core noun "compensation" entered English in the late 14th century from Latin via French, carrying the sense of counterbalancing or making amends for a loss. The prefix "over," of Germanic origin, is one of the most productive in English, readily attached to verbs, nouns, and adjectives to denote excess or superiority. The specific term "overcompensation" emerged in the early 20th century, heavily influenced by the field of psychoanalysis. It logically describes the psychological mechanism where an individual's effort to counterbalance a deficiency goes beyond what is necessary or appropriate, resulting in an exaggerated and often counterproductive response.
Analysis
Structure: over (excessively) + compensation (making up for something)
- over: From Old English ofer, meaning "above, beyond, excessively." It functions as an intensifying prefix indicating excess.
- compensation: From Latin compensare, meaning "to weigh one thing against another, to balance." In this word, it functions as the core noun meaning "the act of making amends or counterbalancing."
Examples
His aggressive boasting was a clear overcompensation for his deep-seated insecurities.
The government's massive spending package was criticized as an overcompensation for years of neglect.
In Adlerian psychology, overcompensation can lead to significant achievements but also to neurotic behavior.