handicap

Noun

• something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

• advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning

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

Verb

• put at a disadvantage
  • The brace I have to wear is hindering my movements
    

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

• injure permanently
  • He was disabled in a car accident
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  hindrance , hinderance , deterrent , impediment , balk , baulk , check , disability , disablement , impairment , hinder , hamper , disable , invalid , incapacitate