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

There was Nick Robinson on crutches, looking like the brother of the boy who died in my book. — People Staff, PEOPLE.com, "John Searles Wrote Strange But True — and Then Starred in the Film Adaptation with Greg Kinnear," 6 Sep. 2019 Being attached at the hip, particularly when both were on crutches, came with its difficulties. — Alexa Philippou, courant.com, "UConn women: Rehabbing Crystal Dangerfield, Evina Westbrook find time to bond," 30 Aug. 2019 Webb is on crutches after getting hurt Thursday night. — Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Texans QB Joe Webb suffers serious foot injury," 29 Aug. 2019 That required Pedroia to be on crutches for five weeks. — Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, "Dustin Pedroia, on crutches, visits Red Sox after latest knee surgery," 27 Aug. 2019 The last time Bryce was seen was at the big homecoming football game between Liberty and Bryce’s new school Hillcrest, where a massive fight broke out — literally all the guys have bruises now, and Zach’s even on crutches. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "13 Reasons Why season 3 binge recap," 23 Aug. 2019 Skinny John Kennedy of Massachusetts appeared now and then, on crutches. — Lance Morrow, National Review, "Washington, D.C.: My Boyhood Olympus," 22 Aug. 2019 On Friday, Person was on crutches and was wearing a walking boot after practice. — Eric Branch, SFChronicle.com, "49ers starting right guard Mike Person avoids serious injury; fight breaks out," 17 Aug. 2019 Off the court, Durant was helped to the locker room, eventually leaving the arena on crutches and in a walking boot. — Robert O'connell, The Atlantic, "Kevin Durant’s Disastrous Comeback," 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.