handicapped

adjective

hand·​i·​capped ˈhan-di-ˌkapt How to pronounce handicapped (audio)
-dē-
sometimes offensive
: having a physical or mental disability
also : of or reserved for disabled persons
handicapped parking spaces

Examples of handicapped in a Sentence

He has been handicapped since his motorcycle accident.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handicapped was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near handicapped

Cite this Entry

“Handicapped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handicapped. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

handicapped

adjective
1
sometimes offensive : having a physical or mental disability
2
: of or reserved for individuals with a physical disability
handicapped parking spaces

Medical Definition

handicapped

adjective
hand·​i·​capped -ˌkapt How to pronounce handicapped (audio)
sometimes offensive
: having a physical or mental disability
also : of or reserved for individuals with a physical disability
handicapped parking spaces

Legal Definition

handicapped

adjective
han·​di·​capped
: having a disability that substantially limits a major life activity (as caring for oneself, working, or having sensory functions)
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!