Definition of "decompensation" [decompensation]

• Medicine Failure of the heart to maintain adequate blood circulation, marked by labored breathing, engorged blood vessels, and edema. (noun)
• Psychology The inability to maintain defense mechanisms in response to stress, resulting in personality disturbance or psychological imbalance. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Fetal echocardiography is essential for monitoring the pump twin for signs of decompensation and possible intervention."
• "And they added, "There may be an initial period of normal development and function before decompensation in association with metabolic stress or immune activation, such as fasting, illness or vaccination.""
• "Out of my total emotional decompensation, I managed to get out only three words amidst the tears: "I love you.""