English · Body & Health
crutch
/krʌtʃ/
[/krʌtʃ/]
walking support
Beginnernoun
Definition
A long stick with a support that fits under the arm, used to help an injured person walk.
Example
After breaking his ankle, he used crutches for six weeks until he could walk again.
After breaking his ankle, he used crutches for six weeks until he could walk again.
Etymology
From Old English 'crycc' meaning 'a staff with a crook', related to 'crook'.
How & Where It’s Used
Used literally for mobility aids and figuratively for something relied on too heavily.