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English noun: handicap

1. handicap (state) the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness


SamplesReading disability.
Hearing impairment.


Synonymsdisability, disablement, impairment


Broader (hypernym)softness, unfitness


Narrower (hyponym)amputation, anorgasmia, astasia, bandy leg, bandy legs, bandyleg, bow leg, bow leg, bow legs, bowleg, descensus, disability of walking, disintegration, dysomia, dysphasia, genu valgum, genu varum, hearing disorder, hearing impairment, hypesthesia, hypoesthesia, knock-knee, pigeon toes, prolapse, prolapsus, tibia valga, tibia vara, vision defect, visual defect, visual disorder, visual impairment

2. handicap (attribute) advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning


Broader (hypernym)advantage, vantage


Narrower (hyponym)penalty, scratch

3. handicap (cognition) something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress


Synonymsbalk, baulk, check, deterrent, hinderance, hindrance, impediment


Broader (hypernym)difficulty


Narrower (hyponym)albatross, bind, diriment impediment, drag, millstone, obstacle, obstruction, straitjacket


English verb: handicap

1. handicap (body) injure permanently


SamplesHe was disabled in a car accident.


Synonymsdisable, incapacitate, invalid


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)injure, wound


Narrower (hyponym)hock

2. handicap (competition) attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)bias

3. handicap (competition) put at a disadvantage


SamplesThe brace I have to wear is hindering my movements.


Synonymshamper, hinder


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)disadvantage, disfavor, disfavour









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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