crutch

noun

\ ˈkrəch

Definition of crutch

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

verb

crutched; crutching; crutches

Definition of crutch (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to support on crutches : prop up

Examples of crutch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Knievel, who walks with the aid of a cane and sometimes a crutch, has another reason for the soar through the air. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "From the Archives: 1969: Evel Knievel at the Carlsbad Raceway," 21 June 2019 His son, Klay, tore an ACL in his left knee and walked out of the arena on crutches. — Mark Medina, The Mercury News, "Klay Thompson’s father still believes ‘he’ll be back’ with Warriors despite knee injury," 14 June 2019 Generally, Cammack said most patients are off crutches by this time and begin wearing a walking boot, In about a month, Durant would likely then begin rehab exercises to improve his range of motion. — Mark Medina, The Mercury News, "Dominique Wilkins: ‘Kevin Durant is going to be fine’ post injury," 25 June 2019 The crutches were out Monday at Geno Auriemma’s charity golf event, as UConn guards Crystal Dangerfield and Evina Westbrook limped around among their teammates. — Alex Putterman, courant.com, "Crystal Dangerfield, Evina Westbrook recovering well from injuries; Ania Makurat compares UConn with Poland," 24 June 2019 The good news is that nothing was fractured, though, so Austin is currently exploring downtown Nanjing at a steady hobble, sans crutches or boot. — Alex Prewitt, SI.com, "Out of the Darkness: Isaiah Austin Searches for Peace Without the NBA," 14 June 2019 The urgent care center gave me crutches and instructed me to see an orthopedic surgeon. — miamiherald, "How long will it take for my calf injury to heal?," 4 June 2019 The sight of Durant leaving Scotiabank Arena on crutches and in a walking boot after going down in the second quarter of Monday's Game 5 of the NBA Finals has everyone bickering in the world of hindsight 20/20. — Duane Rankin, azcentral, "Kevin Durant's legacy intact despite how he returns from major injury," 11 June 2019 Durant was gone from the arena before the game was over, on crutches and in a large boot. — Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, "Kevin Durant and Achilles, Two Heroes Who Had Decisions to Make," 11 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

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, "First words: Northwestern QB Clayton Thorson talks ACL prognosis, marriage and why he ‘can’t skip steps’," 2 July 2018 Scalise still needs either crutches or a cane to get around after having nine surgeries to repair his pelvis, hip and left femur left shattered by bullets, CNN reported. — Natalie Dreier, ajc, "Rep. Steve Scalise to return to field one year after Congressional Baseball shooting," 14 June 2018 When Purdue played Nebraska about a month later, Tyler Trent crutched out to midfield for the coin toss. — Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Purdue freshman can't make tourney, but cancer is just an inconvenience," 15 Mar. 2018 He was recorded crutching down a hallway at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday. — Jacob Klinger, cleveland.com, "Steelers short 3 offensive, 2 defensive starters," 18 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crutch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.