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}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0