handicapped

handicapped

---

Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "handicapped" is /ˈhænd.i.kæpt/.

• han: /ˈhænd/

• i: /i/

• capped: /kæpt/

---

Word Form Variations

• Adjective: handicapped

• Verb: handicap (base form), handicaps (third person singular present), handicapped (past tense, past participle), handicapping (present participle)

• Noun: handicap (singular), handicaps (plural)

• Adverb: (No direct adverb form for 'handicapped'; 'with a handicap' or 'in a handicapped manner' are phrasal)

---

---

Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adjective

Handicapped

1. Having a physical or mental disability that makes it more difficult to do certain things, especially those that most people can do. Note: This term is often considered outdated or less preferred than "person with a disability" in modern discourse. 

• Synonyms: disabled, impaired, challenged (often in compounds like 'physically challenged'), special needs

• Antonyms: able-bodied, non-disabled, unimpaired, fully capable

2. Placed at a disadvantage; hindered by a particular circumstance or condition.

• Synonyms: disadvantaged, hampered, hindered, impeded, burdened

• Antonyms: advantaged, privileged, unhindered, facilitated

Verb (Past Tense/Participle of "Handicap")

Handicapped

1. (Of a person) burdened with a physical or mental disability.

• Synonyms: disabled, impaired

• Antonyms: enabled

2. Placed at a disadvantage in a particular situation or contest.

• Synonyms: disadvantaged, hindered, hampered, burdened, restricted

• Antonyms: advantaged, favored, unburdened, freed

Noun (Related to "handicap")

Handicap

1. A condition or circumstance that makes it more difficult for someone to achieve something; a disadvantage.

• Synonyms: disadvantage, impediment, hindrance, barrier, obstacle, burden

• Antonyms: advantage, benefit, asset, aid, boon, strength

2. A physical or mental disability. Note: Similar to the adjective, "disability" is often preferred.

• Synonyms: disability, impairment, challenge, special need

• Antonyms: ability, capability, full function

3. (Sports/Racing) A disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor in order to equalize chances in a contest.

• Synonyms: disadvantage, penalty, imposition

• Antonyms: advantage, lead, head start

---

Examples of Use

Books

• Medical/Sociological Texts: These discuss the challenges faced by individuals who are "handicapped" or the history of disability rights. For example, a sociology textbook might explore the societal barriers faced by the physically handicapped (Routledge, February 2023).

• Fiction: Characters might be depicted as "handicapped" by a physical impairment or by life circumstances. "He was handicapped by a persistent lack of confidence."

• Sports Betting Guides: Books on horse racing might explain how horses are "handicapped" (assigned disadvantages) to equalize competition.

Newspapers

• News Articles: Historically, articles might refer to individuals as "handicapped," particularly in older reports on disability services or accessibility. More current reporting tends to use person-first language (e.g., "people with disabilities"). "The city sought to improve access for the physically handicapped in public buildings" (archival report, The Washington Post, March 1985).

• Sports Sections: Reports on horse racing or other competitive events often use "handicapped" to describe how entries are disadvantaged to make a fair race. "The favorite horse was handicapped with an extra five pounds."

• Obituaries: Might mention that an individual bravely lived with a particular handicap.

Online Publications

• Archival Websites/Historical Documents: Digital archives of newspapers or journals will contain the term "handicapped" in its historical context.

• Sports Betting Sites: Websites for horse racing or fantasy sports use "handicapped" to refer to adjusted odds or rules that equalize competition. "Our experts have handicapped the field for tomorrow's big race."

• Older Forums/Blogs: Some discussions or personal stories from older periods might use the term "handicapped."

• Accessibility Guides (Historical Context): Resources discussing past efforts at accessibility might use the term to describe facilities for the "handicapped."

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms

• Classic Movies/TV Shows: Older films or television programs might feature characters who are referred to as "handicapped" or show situations where individuals are handicapped by circumstances. "He refused to let his past handicap his future."

• Sports Broadcasts (Racing): Commentators in horse racing or car racing will explain how certain competitors are "handicapped" by additional weight or reduced power to level the playing field.

• Documentaries (Historical): Documentaries on the history of disability rights movements or specific historical events might use the term "handicapped" when quoting or discussing earlier periods.

• Video Games (Rare): Some older sports simulation games might have "handicap settings" to make the game fairer between players of different skill levels.

General Public Discourse

• Historical Context: When discussing historical attitudes or terminology, people might use the word "handicapped" to accurately reflect past usage. "In the 1970s, many public facilities were not designed for the handicapped."

• Sports Discussions: Enthusiasts discussing horse racing or fantasy leagues might use "handicapped" to analyze the advantages or disadvantages given to competitors. "This player is handicapped by a recent injury."

• Older Generations: Some older individuals may still use the term "handicapped" as it was common during their upbringing, though it is less preferred by disability advocates today.

• Figurative Use (less common for people, more for situations): To describe being at a disadvantage. "Our team was handicapped by the lack of resources."

---

---

10 Quotes Using Handicapped

1. "No individual should ever be handicapped by a lack of opportunity or basic access."

2. "He who allows fear to control his actions is truly handicapped in life's grand race."

3. "Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to progress is believing you are inherently handicapped."

4. "The indomitable strength of the human spirit can never be handicapped by any physical limitation."

5. "A society that fails to provide universal accessibility is, in essence, handicapped by its own narrow vision."

6. "She brilliantly proved that immense talent can never be truly handicapped by challenging circumstances."

7. "We are all, in some unique and subtle way, handicapped by our own preconceived assumptions."

8. "The true measure of character lies in how one flourishes, even when seemingly handicapped."

9. "Do not let a temporary setback leave you permanently handicapped in your long-term pursuits."

10. "A seemingly handicapped path often surprisingly reveals the most inspiring and beautiful routes to success."

---

Etymology

The word "handicapped" comes from the term "hand in cap," which referred to an old game of chance or a method of equalizing a race. 

In this old game (also called "hand-i'-cap"), contestants would put their hands in a cap, and an umpire would determine a "handicap" (a disadvantage) to make the race fairer for all participants. This often involved assigning extra weight to a stronger horse or giving a head start to a weaker one.

So, the first known use of "handicapped" in English, with the meaning of "placed at a disadvantage in a competition or situation," dates back to the late 17th century, stemming directly from this practice of equalizing contests by imposing disadvantages. By the late 19th century, it began to be widely applied to people with disabilities.

---

---

Phrases + Idioms Containing Handicapped

• Handicapped by (something): Disadvantaged or hindered by a particular factor. "The team was handicapped by a lack of funding."

• Mentally handicapped: An older term for having an intellectual disability. Note: This term is now widely considered outdated and offensive; "intellectual disability" or "cognitive disability" is preferred.

• Physically handicapped: An older term for having a physical disability. Note: Similarly, "physical disability" or "person with a physical disability" is preferred.

• Severely handicapped: Describing a significant disability or disadvantage.

• Handicapped parking: Parking spaces reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disability permit. "Always respect handicapped parking spaces."

• Handicapped access: Features designed to make a place accessible to people with disabilities. "The building was designed with full handicapped access."

---

Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

---

Source Information

Definition of handicapped from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

---