Definition of handicap Handicap

/hæˈndikæˌp/ - [handeekatp] - hand•i•cap

We found 19 definitions of handicap from 5 different sources.

What does handicap mean?

WordNet

Noun Plural: handicaps
handicap - advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning
		vantage, advantage place or situation affording some advantage (especially a comprehensive view or commanding perspective)
		penalty (games) a handicap or disadvantage that is imposed on a competitor (or a team) for an infraction of the rules of the game
handicap - the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness; "reading disability"; "hearing impairment"
		disability, disablement, impairment
		unfitness, softness the quality of not being suitable; "the judges agreed on his unfitness for the appointment"
		bandy leg, bandyleg, bowleg, genu varum, tibia vara, bow leg a leg bowed outward at the knee (or below the knee)
		anorgasmia absence of an orgasm in sexual relations
		dysphasia an impairment of language (especially speech production) that is usually due to brain damage
		disability of walking a disability that interferes with or prevents walking
		astasia inability to stand due to muscular incoordination
		amputation a surgical removal of all or part of a limb
		hearing disorder, hearing impairment impairment of the sense of hearing
		dysomia impairment of the sense of smell
		vision defect, visual defect, visual disorder, visual impairment impairment of the sense of sight
		descensus, prolapse, prolapsus the slipping or falling out of place of an organ (as the uterus)
		hypesthesia, hypoesthesia impairment of tactile sensitivity; decrease of sensitivity
		genu valgum, knock-knee, tibia valga an inward slant of the thigh
		pigeon toes disability in which the toes are turned inward; often associated with knock-knee
		bandy legs, bow legs, bow leg outward curvature of the legs
handicap - something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
		hindrance, hinderance, deterrent, impediment, balk, baulk, check
		difficulty the quality of being difficult; "they agreed about the difficulty of the climb"
		albatross, millstone large web-footed birds of the southern hemisphere having long narrow wings; noted for powerful gliding flight
		bind something that hinders as if with bonds
		diriment impediment (canon law) an impediment that invalidates a marriage (such as the existence of a prior marriage)
		drag the act of dragging (pulling with force); "the drag up the hill exhausted him"
		obstacle, obstruction an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented)
Verb handicaps, handicapping, handicapped
handicap - put at a disadvantage; "The brace I have to wear is hindering my movements"
		hinder, hamper
		disadvantage, disfavor, disfavour put at a disadvantage; hinder, harm; "This rule clearly disadvantages me"
handicap - attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant
		bias cause to be biased
handicap - injure permanently; "He was disabled in a car accident"
		disable, invalid, incapacitate
		wound, injure cause injuries or bodily harm to
		hock disable by cutting the hock

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Wiktionary

handicap (Noun)
An allowance of a certain amount of time or distance in starting, granted in a race or other contest of skill to the competitor possessing disadvantages; or an additional weight or other hindrance imposed upon the one possessing advantages, in order to equalize, as much as possible, the chances of success.
handicap (Noun)
The disadvantage itself, in particular physical or mental disadvantages of people.
handicap (Noun)
A race, for horses or men, or any contest of agility, strength, or skill, in which there is an allowance of time, distance, weight, or other advantage, to equalize the chances of the competitors.
handicap (Noun)
An old card game .
handicap (Verb)
To encumber with a handicap in any contest.
handicap (Verb)
To place at disadvantage.
handicap (Verb)
To estimate betting odds.

Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘

handicap (n.)
An allowance of a certain amount of time or distance in starting, granted in a race to the competitor possessing inferior advantages; or an additional weight or other hindrance imposed upon the one possessing superior advantages, in order to equalize, as much as possible, the chances of success; as, the handicap was five seconds, or ten pounds, and the like.
handicap (n.)
A race, for horses or men, or any contest of agility, strength, or skill, in which there is an allowance of time, distance, weight, or other advantage, to equalize the chances of the competitors.
handicap (n.)
An old game at cards.
handicap (v. t.)
To encumber with a handicap in any contest; hence, in general, to place at disadvantage; as, the candidate was heavily handicapped.

Chambers DictionaryChamber's 20th Century Dictionary 📕

handicap
hand′i-kap, v.t. to impose special disadvantages or impediments upon in order to offset advantages, and make a better contest—in a horse-race the superior horse carries a heavier weight, while foot-runners are placed at different distances, or start at different times: (fig.) to place at a disadvantage by some burden or disability.—n. any contest so adjusted, or the condition imposed.—n. Hand′icapper, one who handicaps. [Hand in the cap, from the usage in an ancient kind of sport and method of settling a bargain by arbitration.]