crutch

American  

[kruhch] / krʌtʃ /

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. Nautical. Also

   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 British  

/ 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

• crutchlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of crutch

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

Explanation

A crutch is something you lean on when you’re hurt or weak. It can be a physical crutch you use because you broke your leg, or a friend you depend on a bit too much when you’re having a tough time. A medical crutch is a device that helps you walk when you’re injured. A psychological crutch helps you when you need it, or think you do. Medical crutches come in pairs and have soft pads that fit under your arms and handles to help you rest your body weight on them. Other types of crutches fit securely around the lower part of your arm. The Old English root word is crycce, "staff," and the figurative meaning dates from about 1600.

Example Sentences

If you use your chatbot as a coach, not a crutch, it can help you hone your own memory and reasoning skills.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

And though “Undertone” makes good use of its podcasting conceit, the format is little more than a crutch for the movie’s narrative to rest on.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

"It's like wanting to saw off your own leg just because you have a great crutch," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

"We also would like to return their hospital crutch left in our vehicle that one of them with a previous leg injury had used on the ascent but again, sadly no replies to date."

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

She grabbed up her crutch and headed for the house, squealing with laughter.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Related Words

• cane