1. a support used under the arm or shoulder by a person who has difficulty walking
2. something that provides support or assistance, especially when relied upon excessively
Usage: figurative

1. to support or prop up

Examples

• After breaking her leg, she had to use crutches for six weeks.
• He leaned his crutches against the wall before sitting down.
• The calculator became a crutch that prevented students from learning basic math.
• She didn’t want to use her injury as a crutch for poor performance.
• The beam was crutched with additional supports.
• Don’t crutch yourself on others’ help all the time.