handicap — a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhændɪkæp/
Example Sentences
- My terrible singing voice is a major handicap at karaoke parties.
- She refused to let her visual handicap prevent her from pursuing her dreams.
- Being unable to wake up early is a serious handicap for morning people.
handicap
NOUN[/ˈhændɪkæp/]
a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities
Overcoming physical limitations with determination
The heavy equipment became a handicap during the rescue mission in the mountains. (HAND + LIMIT = HANDICAP → a disadvantage that slows or restricts performance)
What first looked like a handicap eventually became part of his remarkable comeback story.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word originates from a 17th-century game called 'hand in cap,' in which all participants placed their hands into a hat and simultaneously decided whether to contribute money or not to determine the fairness of an exchange or barter.
Breakdown
hand + in + cap, originally referring to the literal action of placing one's hand in a cap during the fairness-determining game, later generalized to mean a disadvantage or impediment imposed to equalize competition.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My terrible singing voice is a major handicap at karaoke parties.”
“She refused to let her visual handicap prevent her from pursuing her dreams.”
“Being unable to wake up early is a serious handicap for morning people.”
“The new player's 18 handicap shows he's still learning golf.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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