1. the failure of the heart or other organ to maintain adequate circulation, especially after a period of compensation
Usage: medical term; commonly used in cardiology and internal medicine
2. a sudden worsening of a mental or psychiatric condition, often marked by loss of coping mechanisms
Usage: psychiatric/psychological term

Examples

• The patient's heart disease progressed to decompensation, requiring immediate hospitalization.
• After years of managing his anxiety, he experienced a sudden decompensation during the stressful trial.
• Decompensation of the liver can occur when cirrhosis advances without treatment.
• The psychiatrist warned that untreated trauma could lead to psychological decompensation.
• Signs of cardiac decompensation include shortness of breath and fluid retention.
• Her decompensation was triggered by a combination of sleep deprivation and emotional stress.