crutch

[ kruhch ]

noun

1. a staff or support to assist a lame or infirm person in walking, now usually with a crosspiece at one end to fit under the armpit.
2. any of various devices resembling this in shape or use.
3. anything that serves as a temporary and often inappropriate support, supplement, or substitute; prop:

   He uses liquor as a psychological crutch.

4. a forked support or part.
5. the crotch of the human body.
6. Also Nautical.
   1. a forked support for a boom or spar when not in use.
   2. a forked support for an oar on the sides or stern of a rowboat.
   3. a horizontal knee reinforcing the stern frames of a wooden vessel.
7. a forked device on the left side of a sidesaddle, consisting of two hooks, one of which is open at the bottom and serves to clamp the left knee and the other of which is open at the top and serves to support the right knee.

verb (used with object)

1. to support on crutches; prop; sustain.

crutch

/ krʌtʃ /

noun

1. a long staff of wood or metal having a rest for the armpit, for supporting the weight of the body
2. something that supports or sustains

   a crutch to the economy

3. another word for crotch
4. nautical
   1. a forked support for a boom or oar, etc
   2. a brace for reinforcing the frames at the stern of a wooden vessel

verb

1. tr to support or sustain (a person or thing) as with a crutch
2. slang.
   to clip (wool) from the hindquarters of a sheep

Other Word Forms

• crutchlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crutch¹

before 900; Middle English crucche, Old English cryce (oblique crycce ); cognate with Norwegian krykkja, Danish krykke, German Krücke, Dutch kruk. See crook ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of crutch¹

Old English crycc; related to Old High German krucka, Old Norse krykkja; see crosier , crook

Example Sentences

With help from her dancers, Gaga dons the metallic Mugler armor and crutches featured in the track’s 2009 video for the first time in 16 years.

From Salon

For “Paparazzi” she donned pieces of chrome armor and strutted across the stage on a pair of crutches.

From Los Angeles Times

“But we said, ‘OK, you’ll walk without walking sticks or without crutches one kilometer.’

From Los Angeles Times

The 24-year-old was later seen in a video on social media leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutches and with his left ankle in a protective boot.

From BBC

"I am 63 and life is tough…I am taking care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to," a protester on crutches also told local media house Citizens Voice Network.

From BBC

Related Words

• cane