definition of
handicap

[1] #1 handicap n. [disability, disablement, impairment] the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness; "reading disability"; "hearing impairment". wn

[2] #2 handicap v. [disable, invalid, incapacitate] injure permanently; "He was disabled in a car accident". wn

[3] #3 handicap n. advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning. wn

[4] #4 handicap v. attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant. wn

[5] #5 handicap n. [hindrance, hinderance, deterrent, impediment, balk, baulk, check] something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress. wn