The noun handicap has 3 senses (first 2 from tagged texts)
1. (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. (1) 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)
Overview of verb handicap
The verb handicap has 3 senses (first 1 from tagged texts)
1. (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")