Handicap Definition

hăndē-kăp

handicapped, handicapping, handicaps

noun

handicaps

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.

Webster's New World

Such a difficulty or advantage.

Webster's New World

A physical or mental disability.

Webster's New World

Something that hampers a person; disadvantage; hindrance.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

verb

handicapped, handicapping, handicaps

To give a handicap to (contestants)

Webster's New World

To cause to be at a disadvantage; hinder; impede.

Webster's New World

To estimate betting odds.

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.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
further
promote
assist
aid
help
benefit
give advantage

adjective

Handicapped.

American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Handicap

Noun

Singular:

handicap

Plural:

handicaps

Origin of Handicap

From obsolete hand in cap a game in which forfeits were held in a cap

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From hand in cap, in reference to holding the game stakes in a cap.

From Wiktionary