handicap
noun
1. the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness
Similar word(s): disability, disablement, impairment
Definition categories: state, softness, unfitness
2. advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning
Definition categories: attribute, advantage, vantage
3. something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
Similar word(s): balk, baulk, check, deterrent, hinderance, hindrance, impediment
Definition categories: thought, difficulty
Sentences with handicap as a noun:
- Age is often a handicap.
- The older boy won, even though his opponent had been granted a handicap of five meters.
- A handicap in chess often involves removal of the queen's rook.
verb
1. injure permanently
Similar word(s): disable, incapacitate, invalid
Definition categories: body, injure, wound
2. attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant
Definition categories: competition, bias
3. put at a disadvantage
Similar word(s): hamper, hinder
Definition categories: competition, disadvantage, disfavor, disfavour
Sentences with handicap as a verb:
- The candidate was heavily handicapped.
- Grandpa Andy would buy the racing form the day ahead of time so he could handicap the race before he even arrived at the track.