Search results for 'handicapped':

handicap noun 1 a physical or mental disability that results in partial or total inability to perform social, occupational or other normal everyday activities. 2 something that impedes or hinders. 3 a a disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in a contest, race, etc, or an advantage given to an inferior one, so that everyone has an equal chance of winning; b a race or competition in which competitors are given a handicap. 4 the number of strokes by which a golfer's averaged score exceeds par for the course. verb (handicapped, handicapping) 1 to impede or hamper someone. 2 to impose special disadvantages or advantages on (a player or players) in order to make a better contest. 3 to organize (a race, etc) by handicapping. handicapper noun in some sports: an official who fixes the handicaps of competitors.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: probably from hand i' cap an old lottery game in which money was deposited in a cap and forfeits were drawn from it.

handicapped adj 1 physically or mentally disabled. 2 (the handicapped) handicapped people in general (see the 4B). 2 said of a competitor: given a handicap.