n. 1. Sports & Games a. A race or contest in which contestants are given advantages or compensations to equalize the chances of winning. b. Such an advantage or penalty. 3. A disadvantage or inconvenience. See Synonyms at disadvantage. tr.v. hand·i·capped, hand·i·cap·ping, hand·i·caps 1. Sports & Games To assign handicaps or a handicap to (a contestant). 2. To cause to be at a disadvantage; impede. adj. Usage Problem Handicapped. [From obsolete hand in cap, a game in which forfeits were held in a cap.] |
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