crutch

1 of 2

noun

ˈkrəch 

1

a

: a support typically fitting under the armpit for use by the disabled in walking

b

: a source or means of support or assistance that is relied on heavily or excessively

They refuse to take any pills. They don't want to use drugs as a crutch.

—Maya Pines

Even many atheists would agree that believing that God cares about you or that your life is part of a cosmic plan can be a powerful source of hope (or, to put it pejoratively, a crutch).

—Virginia Postrel

2

: a forked leg rest constituting the pommel of a sidesaddle

3

: the crotch of a human being or an animal

4

: a forked support

crutch

2 of 2

verb

crutched; crutching; crutches

transitive verb

: to support on crutches : prop up

Examples of crutch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Curry's lawsuit claims that he was relegated to crutches and a scooter for two and a half months and wore an ankle brace for another two and a half months, then underwent six months of physical therapy. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 18 May 2024

But much has changed in recent years as lockdowns have become a crutch for institutional issues such as short staffing. —Gabrielle Caplan, WIRED, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English crucche, from Old English crycc; akin to Old High German krucka crutch

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1609, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

crutch

noun

ˈkrəch

1

: a support usually made with a piece at the top to fit under the armpit for use by a disabled or injured person as an aid in walking

2

: something (as a support or prop) like a crutch in shape or use

Medical Definition

crutch

1 of 2 noun

ˈkrəch 

1

: a support typically fitting under the armpit for use as an aid in walking

2

: the crotch especially of an animal

crutch

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to support on crutches