1. (

• disability ,
• disablement ,
• handicap ,
• impairment

) the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness; "reading disability"; "hearing impairment" ;

2. (

• handicap ,

) advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning ;

3. (

• hindrance ,
• hinderance ,
• deterrent ,
• impediment ,
• balk ,
• baulk ,
• check ,
• handicap

) something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress ;

1. (

• disable ,
• invalid ,
• incapacitate ,
• handicap

) injure permanently; "He was disabled in a car accident" ;

2. (

• handicap ,

) attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant ;

3. (

• handicap ,
• hinder ,
• hamper

) put at a disadvantage; "The brace I have to wear is hindering my movements" ;