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Added 9 October 2026

handicap

/ˈhændikæp/ noun

Categories: Describing WordsMind & IdeasUncommon Words

In Latin: impedimentum Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about handicap at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. The condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness.
    reading disability
  2. Advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning.
  3. Something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress.

verb

  1. Injure permanently.
    He was disabled in a car accident
  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

Origin

From hand-in-cap, in reference to holding the game stakes in a cap.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: hinderimpedimenthindrancedisableincapacitatedisablementimpairmentdeterrentdisadvantagedisabilityinvalidhamper

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