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 Words From

• 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

As for Berhane, a humanitarian organisation has been able to provide him with a prosthetic leg and crutch, which has helped him walk again.

From BBC

The former office manager does her best to focus on the achievements – including walking from the car to the school gate without a crutch - but the adjustments have not always been easy.

From BBC

“I think the dangerous thing about AI is that it can be a crutch,” he explains.

From BBC

The NHS is not just having to be there for people with health needs, it has also become a crutch for those struggling with other elements of their life.

From BBC

It’s more accurate to say Eminem resurrects him than to argue that he’s been using him as a crutch for 25 years.

From Salon

Related Words

• cane