Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun handicap

3 senses of handicap

Sense 1
disability, disablement, handicap, impairment -- (the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness; "reading disability"; "hearing impairment")
       => unfitness, softness -- (poor physical condition; being out of shape or out of condition (as from a life of ease and luxury))

Sense 2
handicap -- (advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning)
       => advantage, vantage -- (the quality of having a superior or more favorable position; "the experience gave him the advantage over me")

Sense 3
hindrance, hinderance, deterrent, impediment, balk, baulk, check, handicap -- (something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress)
       => difficulty -- (a factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result; "serious difficulties were encountered in obtaining a pure reagent")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb handicap

3 senses of handicap

Sense 1
disable, invalid, incapacitate, handicap -- (injure permanently; "He was disabled in a car accident")
       => injure, wound -- (cause injuries or bodily harm to)

Sense 2
handicap -- (attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant)
       => bias -- (influence in an unfair way; "you are biasing my choice by telling me yours")

Sense 3
handicap, hinder, hamper -- (put at a disadvantage; "The brace I have to wear is hindering my movements")
       => disadvantage, disfavor, disfavour -- (put at a disadvantage; hinder, harm; "This rule clearly disadvantages me")