crutch

1 of 1noun

/krʌtʃ/

Forms:crutches

one of a pair of sticks that people with movement difficulties put under their arms to help them walk or stand

A crutch is a support device used by people with difficulty walking because of injury or disability. It is typically made of a pole or frame with a padded top that fits under the armpit, allowing the user to lean on it for stability and to support their weight. Crutches are adjustable to fit different heights and are designed to help individuals move around safely while recovering from injuries such as broken bones or surgeries affecting the lower body. Proper fitting and use of crutches are important to prevent further injury and help movement during rehabilitation.

After his leg injury, he relied on a pair of crutches to get around until he could walk on his own again.
The physical therapist adjusted the height of the crutch to ensure proper support for the patient's underarms.
She learned how to use crutches efficiently, navigating stairs and uneven surfaces with ease.
The doctor recommended using crutches for six weeks to allow the fractured ankle to heal properly.
He leaned heavily on his crutch as he made his way down the hospital corridor, recovering from surgery.

an external aid, practice, or belief people rely on to get through difficulty or to compensate for a weakness

He treated humor as a crutch, leaning on jokes whenever conversations turned serious.
The organization used short‑term grants as a crutch instead of developing a sustainable funding plan.
Relying on templates became a crutch that stifled the team's creativity.
Some athletes view painkillers as a dangerous crutch that masks problems rather than fixing them.
She finally gave up the crutch of perfectionism and submitted the draft as it was.