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handicap

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The definition of a handicap is a race where the competition is evened out by giving advantages to the weaker competitor and making the race more difficult for the stronger competitor, or something that is a disadvantage.

(noun)

An example of a handicap is a race where heavier people have to carry less weight and the lighter people have to carry more weight.
An example of a handicap is a broken leg.

Handicap is defined as to cause a disadvantage.

(verb)

An example of handicap is to pour a slippery substance over an obstacle course.

See handicap in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. a race or other competition in which difficulties are imposed on the superior contestants, or advantages given to the inferior, to make their chances of winning equal
2. such a difficulty or advantage
1. something that hampers a person; disadvantage; hindrance
2. a physical disability

Origin: orig. a game in which forfeits were drawn from a cap or hat < hand in cap

transitive verb handicapped, handicapping

to give a handicap to (contestants)
to cause to be at a disadvantage; hinder; impede

See handicap in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Sports & Games
a. A race or contest in which contestants are given advantages or compensations to equalize the chances of winning.
b. Such an advantage or penalty.
A physical or mental disability. See Synonyms at disadvantage.
A hindrance.

transitive verb hand·i·capped, hand·i·cap·ping, hand·i·caps