handi|cap /hæ ndikæp/ (handicaps , handicapping , handicapped )
1 N‑COUNT A handicap is a physical or mental disability. □ He lost his leg when he was ten, but learnt to overcome his handicap.
2 N‑COUNT A handicap is an event or situation that places you at a disadvantage and makes it harder for you to do something. □ Being a foreigner was not a handicap.
3 VERB If an event or a situation handicaps someone or something, it places them at a disadvantage. □ [V n] Greater levels of stress may seriously handicap some students.
4 N‑COUNT In golf, a handicap is an advantage given to someone who is not a good player, in order to make the players more equal. As you improve, your handicap gets lower. □ I see your handicap is down from 16 to 12.
5 N‑COUNT In horse racing, a handicap is a race in which some competitors are given a disadvantage of extra weight in an attempt to give everyone an equal chance of winning.
handi|capped /hæ ndikæpt/ ADJ Someone who is handicapped has a physical or mental disability that prevents them living a totally normal life. Many people who have a disability find this word offensive. [OFFENSIVE ] □ I'm going to work two days a week teaching handicapped kids to fish. □ Alex was mentally handicapped. ● N‑PLURAL Some people refer to people who are handicapped as the handicapped . □ …measures to prevent discrimination against the handicapped.
handi|craft /hæ ndikrɑːft, -kræft/ (handicrafts )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Handicrafts are activities such as embroidery and pottery which involve making things with your hands in a skilful way.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Handicrafts are the objects that are produced by people doing handicrafts. □ She sells handicrafts to the tourists.
handi|work /hæ ndiwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] You can refer to something that you have done or made yourself as your handiwork . □ The architect stepped back to admire his handiwork.
hand|ker|chief /hæ ŋkə r tʃ I f/ (handkerchiefs ) N‑COUNT A handkerchief is a small square piece of fabric which you use for blowing your nose.
han|dle ◆◆◇ /hæ nd ə l/ (handles , handling , handled )
1 N‑COUNT A handle is a small round object or a lever that is attached to a door and is used for opening and closing it. □ I turned the handle and found the door was open.
2 N‑COUNT A handle is the part of an object such as a tool, bag, or cup that you hold in order to be able to pick up and use the object. □ [+ of ] The handle of a cricket bat protruded from under his arm. □ …a broom handle.
3 VERB If you say that someone can handle a problem or situation, you mean that they have the ability to deal with it successfully. □ [V n] To tell the truth, I don't know if I can handle the job.
4 VERB If you talk about the way that someone handles a problem or situation, you mention whether or not they are successful in achieving the result they want. □ [V n adv] I think I would handle a meeting with Mr. Siegel very badly. ● han|dling N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The family has criticized the military's handling of Robert's death.
5 VERB If you handle a particular area of work, you have responsibility for it. □ [V n] She handled travel arrangements for the press corps during the presidential campaign.
6 VERB When you handle something such as a weapon, vehicle, or animal, you use it or control it, especially by using your hands. □ [V n] I had never handled an automatic.
7 VERB If something such as a vehicle handles well, it is easy to use or control. □ [V adv/prep] His ship had handled like a dream!
8 VERB When you handle something, you hold it or move it with your hands. □ [V n] Wear rubber gloves when handling cat litter.
9 N‑SING If you have a handle on a subject or problem, you have a way of approaching it that helps you to understand it or deal with it. [INFORMAL ] □ When you have got a handle on your anxiety you can begin to control it.
10 PHRASE If you fly off the handle , you suddenly and completely lose your temper. [INFORMAL ] □ He flew off the handle at the slightest thing. SYNONYMS handle VERB 3
manage: How did your mother manage when your father left?
deal with: The agreement would allow other vital problems to be dealt with.
cope: The problems were an annoyance, but we managed to cope.
tackle: The first reason to tackle these problems is to save children's lives.
handle|bar /hæ nd ə lbɑː r / (handlebars ) N‑COUNT The handlebar or handlebars of a bicycle consist of a curved metal bar with handles at each end which are used for steering.
ha ndle|bar mous|ta che (handlebar moustaches ) also handlebar mustache N‑COUNT A handlebar moustache is a long thick moustache with curled ends.
han|dler /hæ ndlə r / (handlers )
1 N‑COUNT A handler is someone whose job is to be in charge of and control an animal. □ Fifty officers, including frogmen and dog handlers, are searching for her.
2 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A handler is someone whose job is to deal with a particular type of object. □ …baggage handlers at Gatwick airport.
ha nd lug|gage N‑UNCOUNT When you travel by air, your hand luggage is the luggage you have with you in the plane, rather than the luggage that is carried in the hold.