handicap

Definition

Something that prevents, hampers, or hinders.

Etymology

From hand-in-cap, in reference to holding the game stakes in a cap.

Example Sentences

• "Age is often a handicap."
• "Captain Edward Carlisle[…]felt a curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze,[…]; he could not tell what this prisoner might do. He cursed the fate which had assigned such a duty, cursed especially that fate which forced a gallant soldier to meet so superb a woman as this under handicap so hard."
• "The older boy won, even though his opponent had been granted a handicap of five meters."