Crutch is a noun with two main senses. It can mean a supportSomething that holds weight or helps keep balance used for walking, or more generally something a person relies on as a substituteSomething used in place of the normal or proper thing for real strengthPhysical power or ability to do something well or help.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /krʌtʃ/
Easy pronunciation: KRUCH (approximate spelling).
Stress: One syllable, with the vowel stressed.
Used in the figurative sense: something someone relies on too much as a substitute for real help or ability.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Crutch Meaning
a habit, object, or belief someone relies on too much
Part of speech: noun
Definition: something a person depends on as a substitute for real help or ability
Example: He uses his phone as a crutch when he's nervous.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Crutch
Meaning 2
a walking aid for someone with an injured or disabled leg
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a wooden or metal support placed under the arm to help someone walk
Example: She had to walk on crutches after the accident.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not use crutch to mean general support in a physical sense unless it is specifically the underarm walking aid.
- Do not confuse the metaphorical sense with the medical walking aid.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does crutch mean?
Crutch can mean a support used for walking, or something someone depends on too much for help or comfort.
What is the synonym of crutch?
There is no strong general synonym supplied in the source data. The best substitute depends on the sense, but none were provided as reliable synonyms here.
Is crutch always negative?
No. The walking aid sense is neutral. The metaphorical sense is often negative because it suggests overdependence.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-26. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
