n. 障碍, 困难, 不利条件

vt. 加障碍于, 妨碍

Handicap \Hand"i*cap\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Handicapped}
(-k[a^]pt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Handicapping}.]
To encumber with a handicap in any contest; hence, in
general, to place at disadvantage; as, the candidate was
heavily handicapped.

handicap \hand"i*cap\ (h[a^]n"d[i^]*k[a^]p), n. [From hand in
cap; -- perh. in reference to an old mode of settling a
bargain by taking pieces of money from a cap.]
1. An allowance of a certain amount of time or distance in
starting, granted in a race to the competitor possessing
inferior advantages; or an additional weight or other
hindrance imposed upon the one possessing superior
advantages, in order to equalize, as much as possible, the
chances of success; as, the handicap was five seconds, or
ten pounds, and the like.

2. A race, for horses or men, or any contest of agility,
strength, or skill, in which there is an allowance of
time, distance, weight, or other advantage, to equalize
the chances of the competitors.

3. An old game at cards. [Obs.] --Pepys.

4. a physical or mental disability of the body which makes
normal human activities more difficult or impossible; as,
his deformed leg was a major handicap in walking.
[PJC]

5. any disadvantage that makes an activity more difficult or
impossible; as, insufficient capital was a big handicap in
competing against Microsoft.
[PJC]