handicap - noun

the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness

advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning

something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

handicap - verb

• injure permanently
• attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant
• put at a disadvantage

handicap - thesaurus

balk   baulk   check   deterrent   disability   disable   disablement   hamper   hinder   hinderance   hindrance   impairment   impediment   incapacitate   invalid