Handicapped
/ˈhændikæpt/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving a physical or mental disability that limits someone's activities or participation in society.
/ˈhændikæpt/
Having a physical or mental impairment.
The park has special facilities for handicapped visitors.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone has difficulty doing certain things because of a physical or mental challenge. For example, if someone can't walk and needs a wheelchair, we might say they are handicapped.
👶 For kids: When someone has a hard time doing things because their body or brain works differently.
More Examples
He is considered legally handicapped due to his vision impairment.
The school provides assistance to handicapped students.
How It's Used
"The hospital provides specialized care for handicapped patients."
"The building is equipped with ramps to accommodate handicapped individuals."
To put at a disadvantage; to limit or hinder someone's ability to succeed.
/ˈhændikæpt/
To put at a disadvantage.
The company's outdated technology handicapped its ability to compete.
💡 Simply: To make it harder for someone to win or succeed, like giving a slower runner a head start in a race.
👶 For kids: To make it harder for someone to win or do well.
More Examples
The injury handicapped her chances of winning the competition.
The new tax law handicapped many small businesses.
How It's Used
"The race handicaps runners based on their past performance."
"The new regulations handicapped the small businesses."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
handicap oneself
To put oneself at a disadvantage.
"He handicapped himself by arriving late for the interview."
From "hand in cap," a 17th-century betting game. The "handicap" was originally a penalty or disadvantage imposed on a competitor to equalize the chances of winning. Later, it was applied to individuals with physical or mental impairments.
The term "handicapped" has evolved over time, with shifts in societal attitudes towards disability. While once considered a neutral term, it has been criticized by some as potentially negative, and alternatives like "disabled" or "person with a disability" are often preferred.
Memory tip
Think of someone having a 'handicap' or limitation to their abilities.