handicap (
http://definr.com/handicap)
n 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]
v 1: injure permanently; "He was disabled in a car accident"
[syn:
disable,
invalid,
incapacitate]
2: attempt to forecast the winner (esp. 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]