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 Word Forms

• multihandicapped adjective
• nonhandicapped adjective
• unhandicapped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of handicapped¹

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

Example Sentences

Hoy’s wife, Kathleen, said her late husband had medical issues, used handicapped parking and though he would sometimes “yell at traffic” she had never known him to draw his weapon.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Leavitt said that Newsom and Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, have “handicapped” the Los Angeles Police Department, “who are trying to do their jobs.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Then, even ratings dropped halfway through the pilot because we ended the second act with Eli, the handicapped kid in the school, breaking his arm and screaming in pain on the ground.

Read more on Salon

Some clearly display handicapped plaques as they go to the store.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disabled