Crutch: meaning, definitions and examples

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crutch

[ krʌtʃ ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical

A crutch is a device used to aid movement by transferring the weight of your body from your legs to your upper body. It is commonly used by people who have difficulty walking due to injury or disability.

Synonyms

cane, support, walking stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crutch	Used for providing support for those with more severe mobility issues or injuries, typically under the arms. After her leg surgery, she used crutches to help her walk. He can't walk without his crutches after breaking his ankle.
walking stick	Similar to a cane but often used for hiking or trekking to provide stability on uneven terrain. He brought a walking stick to help him navigate the rocky trails. Hikers often use walking sticks to maintain balance on steep paths.
cane	Used mainly by elderly people or those with minor walking difficulties for support, typically held in the hand. The elderly gentleman walked to the park every day with the aid of his cane. She relies on a cane for balance due to her arthritis.
support	A general term that can refer to any device or method used to assist someone in remaining stable or mobile. She needed additional support while recovering from her hip surgery. The device provides support for those with limited mobility.

Examples of usage

She had to use crutches after breaking her leg.
The old man leaned on his crutch as he walked down the street.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative

A crutch can also refer to something that is relied on for support or assistance, often in a metaphorical sense.

Synonyms

aid, prop, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crutch	Typically used to refer to a medical device that helps someone walk after an injury. It can also metaphorically describe an emotional or psychological support that someone heavily relies on. After breaking his leg, he used a crutch to get around. Her constant need for validation is like an emotional crutch.
support	A versatile term that can describe any form of help, whether it’s moral, financial, emotional, or physical. Commonly used in both personal and professional settings. She provides emotional support to her friends. Financial support is crucial for small businesses.
prop	Often refers to a physical object used to support something structurally. Can also be used metaphorically in informal contexts to describe a supporting factor or person. They used a wooden prop to hold up the broken beam. His friends are the props that keep him going through tough times.
aid	Used in a broad sense to describe any form of help or assistance, whether it's financial, physical, or emotional. Common in discussions about humanitarian efforts. The organization provides aid to refugees. He needs a hearing aid to hear properly.

Examples of usage

Using humor as a crutch to cope with difficult situations.
Avoid using alcohol as a crutch for your problems.

Translations

Translations of the word "crutch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 muleta

🇮🇳 बैसाखी (baisaakhi)

🇩🇪 Krücke

🇮🇩 kruk

🇺🇦 милиця

🇵🇱 kula

🇯🇵 松葉杖 (matsuba-zue)

🇫🇷 béquille

🇪🇸 muleta

🇹🇷 koltuk değneği

🇰🇷 목발 (mokbal)

🇸🇦 عكاز (ʿukkāz)

🇨🇿 berla

🇸🇰 barla

🇨🇳 拐杖 (guǎizhàng)

🇸🇮 bergla

🇮🇸 hækja

🇰🇿 таяқ

🇬🇪 ჯოხი (jokhi)

🇦🇿 əsə

🇲🇽 muleta

Etymology

The word 'crutch' originated from Middle English and Old English words meaning 'stick' or 'support'. The use of crutches for mobility dates back to ancient times, with various forms of support devices being used in different cultures. Over the years, crutches have evolved to become more comfortable and efficient in assisting people with mobility issues.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,132, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22129 mimetic
22130 flirt
22131 pertained
22132 crutch
22133 marveled
22134 halter
22135 prow
...