crutch

UK: krʌtʃ | US: krʌtʃ

Definition
  1. n. a support used under the arm to aid walking, typically used by injured or disabled individuals

  2. n. (figurative) something relied on for support or assistance, often excessively

  3. vt. to support with or as if with a crutch

Structure

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Etymology

The word "crutch" originates from Old English crycc, meaning "a staff or support," which evolved from Proto-Germanic krukjo. It shares roots with Dutch kruk and German Krücke. The term has retained its core meaning of a physical or metaphorical support throughout its history, reflecting its straightforward functional origin.

Examples
  1. After the accident, he walked with a crutch for six weeks.

  2. She used humor as a crutch to cope with stress.

  3. The old man leaned heavily on his wooden crutch.

  4. Don’t crutch your argument on unreliable data.

  5. The company’s profits acted as a crutch during the economic downturn.