Handicap - Definition

n 1: the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence
of physical or mental unfitness; "reading disability";
"hearing impairment" [syn: disability, disablement,
handicap, impairment]
2: advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of
winning
3: something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or
progress [syn: hindrance, hinderance, deterrent,
impediment, balk, baulk, check, handicap]
v 1: injure permanently; "He was disabled in a car accident"
[syn: disable, invalid, incapacitate, handicap]
2: attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race)
and assign odds for or against a contestant
3: put at a disadvantage; "The brace I have to wear is hindering
my movements" [syn: handicap, hinder, hamper]