handicap

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Something that makes it harder to do or achieve something.

   His lack of experience was a real handicap in the interview.

2. 2
   noun

   In sport, an advantage given to a weaker competitor to make the contest fairer.

   The faster runner started with a handicap of ten meters.

3. 3
   verb

   To put someone at a disadvantage.

   The candidate was handicapped by her lack of experience.

From hand-in-cap, in reference to holding the game stakes in a cap.

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