1. self-handicap - Noun
2. self-handicap - Verb
self-handicap (third-person singular simple present self-handicaps, present participle self-handicapping, simple past and past participle self-handicapped)
(intransitive, psychology) To avoid making an effort, or to introduce deliberate obstacles to one's success, so as to prevent potential failure from hurting one's self-esteem.
self-handicap (plural self-handicaps)
(psychology) The act of one who self-handicaps, or an obstacle thus introduced.