handicap

noun

1. 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
2. 1. something that hampers a person; disadvantage; hindrance
   2. a physical disability

transitive verb handicapped, handicapping

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