handicap (noun)
1: the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness; "reading disability"; "hearing impairment" [syn: disability, disablement, impairment]
2: advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning
3: something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress [syn: hindrance, deterrent, impediment, balk, baulk, check]
handicap
(verb)
1: injure permanently; "He was disabled in a car accident" [syn: disable, invalid, incapacitate]
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" [syn: hinder, hamper]