crutch

/krʌtʃ/
verb
  1. To walk using a crutch or crutches.
    • She had to crutch to the bathroom after her surgery.
    • They watched him crutch across the parking lot to his car.
    • He crutched slowly down the hallway, trying not to slip.
noun
  1. A long stick with a padded top that fits under the arm, used to help a person with an injured leg or foot walk.
    • The doctor told her she would need a crutch for at least six weeks.
    • He leaned his crutch against the wall while he sat down.
    • After breaking his ankle, he used a crutch to get around the house.
  2. Something that a person depends on for support or help, especially in a way that is not healthy or helpful.
    • Relying on your phone as a social crutch can make it harder to talk to people in person.
    • He used his anger as a crutch to avoid dealing with his sadness.
    • For some people, coffee becomes a crutch to get through the workday.
What does "crutch" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean