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handicap

Ngoại động từNội động từ[C/U] Cả hai

Số nhiều: handicapsQuá khứ: handicappedPhân từ 2: handicappedV-ing: handicapping

This term carries a heavy historical weight and is increasingly viewed as outdated or offensive when referring to people with disabilities. In modern social contexts, it is often replaced by person-first language to avoid defining an individual by their limitation. It suggests a permanent state of being "broken" or "restricted," which conflicts with contemporary views of accessibility and adaptation. In sports and gambling, the word retains a technical, neutral meaning. Here, it describes a calculated advantage given to a weaker competitor to equalize the odds. This creates a sharp contrast between the social connotation of struggle and the competitive connotation of strategic balance.

Countable when referring to a specific impairment or a specific weight added to a horse in a race. Uncountable when referring to the general state of being disadvantaged.

Ý nghĩa

Danh từ

A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

"He overcame a severe handicap to become a world champion."

Ngoại động từ

[something]

To place a disadvantage on someone or something to make a contest fair.

"The racing officials decided to handicap the faster horse."

Nội động từ

To be hindered or disadvantaged by a specific condition.

"The team was handicapped by a series of unexpected injuries."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026•Report an Error