1. supports that fit under the arms to help someone walk when they have an injured leg or foot
Usage: plural form of crutch
2. things that provide support or help, especially when relied upon too heavily
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• After breaking her ankle, she had to use crutches for six weeks.
• The doctor showed him how to walk properly with crutches.
• He leaned his crutches against the wall before sitting down.
• The injured player hobbled off the field on crutches.
• She shouldn’t use caffeine and sugar as emotional crutches.
• The company relied too heavily on government subsidies as financial crutches.