释义 |
hand·i·cap I. \ˈhandēˌkap, ˈhaan-, -də̇ˌ-\ noun (-s) Usage: often attributive Etymology: from obsolete English, a game of forfeits and exchanges in which the players held forfeit money in a cap, alteration of hand in cap 1. : a race or any contest of agility, strength, or skill in which in order to equalize chances of winning an artificial disadvantage is imposed on a supposedly superior contestant or an artificial advantage is given to one supposedly inferior 2. a. : an advantage given a weaker contestant or a disadvantage imposed upon a stronger contestant in the form of points, strokes, weight to be carried, or distance from the target or goal in order to equalize chances of winning b. : a disadvantage that makes achievement unusually difficult; especially : a physical disability that limits the capacity to work II. verb (handicapped ; handicapped ; handicapping ; handicaps) transitive verb 1. a. : to give a handicap to b. : to assign handicaps to in order to equalize chances of success < the horses were admirably handicapped in the race > 2. : to put at a disadvantage < handicapped in his job by worries over debts > intransitive verb : to engage in handicapping |