handicapped

[ han-dee-kapt ]

adjective

1. Sometimes Offensive. physically or mentally disabled.
2. of or designed for handicapped people:

   handicapped parking.

3. Sports. (of a competitor) marked by, being under, or having a handicap:

   a handicapped player.

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. Often Offensive. disabled persons collectively.

handicapped

/ ˈhændɪˌkæpt /

adjective

1. physically disabled
2. psychol denoting a person whose social behaviour or emotional reactions are in some way impaired
3. (of a competitor) assigned a handicap

Usage

Nowadays the use of the word handicapped to describe people with disabilities is generally considered inappropriate. It is preferable to refer to someone as having a disability and to talk about people with disabilities

Sensitive Note

See cripple.

Other Words From

• mul·ti·hand·i·capped adjective
• non·hand·i·capped adjective
• un·hand·i·capped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of handicapped¹

First recorded in 1910–15; handicap + -ed ³

Example Sentences

“Actually, I thought, ‘What’s the difference — being handicapped in Hollywood or being a woman over 50?’”

From Los Angeles Times

Efoghe said the Nigerian embassy in Tripoli was "handicapped" and could not intervene because of the political situation.

From BBC

He won because his season-long performances gave him a handicapped head start.

From BBC

“But they are handicapped because of the clout of egg-based manufacturing.”

From Salon

I was so pleased to get my handicapped parking passes renewed and hear a “Have a nice day” as I walked out.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• disabled