noun · verb · 15 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/ˈhændikæp/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:HH AE1 N D IY0 K AE2 P
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
Something that prevents, hampers, or hinders.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
Age is often a handicap.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
An allowance of a certain amount of time or distance in starting, granted in a race (or other contest of skill) to the competitor possessing disadvantages; or an additional weight or other hindrance imposed upon the one possessing advantages, in order to equalize, as much as possible, the chances of success.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports
Examples
The older boy won, even though his opponent had been granted a handicap of five meters.
A handicap in chess often involves removal of the queen's rook.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
An individual's physical or mental disadvantage or disability.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Qualifier: sometimes considered offensive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
A race or similar contest in which there is an allowance of time, distance, weight, or other advantage, to equalize the chances of the competitors.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
An old card game, similar to lanterloo.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete, uncountable
Topics: card-games, games
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
Synonym of hand-in-cap (“old English trading game”).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: hand-in-cap
Antonyms: none provided
7
verb
Meaning 7
To encumber with a handicap in any contest.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
verb
Meaning 8
To place at disadvantage.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, figuratively, transitive
Examples
The candidate was handicapped by her lack of experience.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
9
verb
Meaning 9
To estimate betting odds.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Grandpa Andy would buy the racing form the day ahead of time so he could handicap the race before he even arrived at the track.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
10
noun
Meaning 10
advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: advantage, vantage
Narrower terms: penalty, scratch
11
noun
Meaning 11
something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.