'recompense' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'recompenser,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'compenser' meant 'to weigh or balance.'

'recompenser' transformed into the Middle English word 'recompensen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'recompense.'

Initially, it meant 'to weigh or balance again,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to compensate or reward someone.'