handicapped — having a physical or mental disability that limits movement, senses, or activity
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having a physical or mental disability that limits movement, senses, or activity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhændɪkæpt/
Example Sentences
- The superhero was temporarily handicapped when his cape got stuck in the revolving door.
- All public buildings must provide handicapped access according to the law.
- My cooking skills are seriously handicapped by my inability to read recipes without my glasses.
handicapped
ADJECTIVE[/ˈhændɪkæpt/]
having a physical or mental disability that limits movement, senses, or activity
having a physical or mental disability that limits movement, senses, or activity
The heavy equipment became a handicap during the rescue mission in the mountains.
What first looked like a handicap eventually became part of his remarkable comeback story.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term originated from a 17th-century English parlor game called 'hand in cap', where players placed coins in a hat for exchange in a lottery-style game. It later evolved to describe an unfair disadvantage imposed on horses in racing competitions to equalize competitive odds. By the 20th century, it acquired its modern sense relating to physical or mental disability, though contemporary usage favors more respectful terminology.
Breakdown
hand (limb) + in (preposition) + cap (container) + -ed (past participle adjective suffix). The compound 'handicap' derives from the literal image of placing a hand in a cap, which evolved metaphorically to mean an imposed disadvantage, with -ed indicating the state of being thus disadvantaged.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The superhero was temporarily handicapped when his cape got stuck in the revolving door.”
“All public buildings must provide handicapped access according to the law.”
“My cooking skills are seriously handicapped by my inability to read recipes without my glasses.”
“The term 'handicapped' is being replaced by 'person with disabilities' in modern usage.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.