Hand·i·cap, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Handicapped p. pr. & vb. n. Handicapping.] To encumber with a handicap in any contest; hence, in general, to place at disadvantage; as, the candidate was heavily handicapped.
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  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,
          balk, baulk, check]
       v 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]
       [also: handicapping, handicapped]