Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun crutch

2 senses of crutch

Sense 1
crutch -- (a wooden or metal staff that fits under the armpit and reaches to the ground; used by disabled person while walking)
       => staff -- (a strong rod or stick with a specialized utilitarian purpose; "he walked with the help of a wooden staff")

Sense 2
crutch -- (anything that serves as an expedient; "he uses drugs as a psychological crutch")
       => expedient -- (a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one)