Definitions of handicap:

• noun:   advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning
• noun:   the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness
• noun:   something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
• verb:   put at a disadvantage
• verb:   attempt to forecast the winner (especially in a horse race) and assign odds for or against a contestant
• verb:   injure permanently