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

Drive around the island and catch glimpses of past civilizations: ancient fig trees propped up by wooden crutches; centuries-old windmills that look like giant antique flyswatters; stone walls built by the Moors during the Middle Ages that somehow still look new. —Julia Chaplin, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025

In general fiction, alcohol is often portrayed as a social crutch, smoothing over awkward interactions or fueling reckless decisions. —Jessica Guerrieri, People.com, 9 May 2025

Verb

At 2:45, Maddow crutched in silently, stood with her back to her staff and observed the list, drawing a thick black line next to topics that interested her. —Amanda Hess, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2019

Thorson, now a grad student holding an undergraduate degree in communication studies, remains the relentlessly positive team-first guy who insisted on crutching to the NU sideline to watch the second half of the Music City Bowl. —Teddy Greenstein, chicagotribune.com, 2 July 2018

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

Rhymes for crutch

• clutch
• cutch
• dutch
• hutch
• much
• mutch
• such
• touch
• insomuch
• overmuch
• nonesuch
• retouch

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