noun (n)

• something (such as money) given or received as payment or reparation (as for a service or loss or injury)(noun.possession)

  source: wordnet30
• (psychiatry) a defense mechanism that conceals your undesirable shortcomings by exaggerating desirable behaviors(noun.process)

  source: wordnet30
• the act of compensating for service or loss or injury(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  recompense
  

  source: wordnet30
• The act or principle of compensating.(noun)

  source: webster1913