prop

¹

[ prop ]

verb (used with object)

, propped, prop·ping.

1. to support, or prevent from falling, with or as if with a prop (often followed by up ):

   to prop an old fence; to prop up an unpopular government.

   Synonyms: bolster, buttress, brace

2. to rest (a thing) against a support:

   He propped his cane against the wall.

3. to support or sustain (often followed by up ).

noun

1. a stick, rod, pole, beam, or other rigid support.
2. a person or thing serving as a support or stay:

   His father is his financial prop.

prop

²

[ prop ]

noun

, Theater.

1. property ( def 8 ).

prop

³

[ prop ]

noun

1. a propeller.

prop-

⁴

1. a combining form representing propionic acid in compound words:

   propanil.

prop.

⁵

abbreviation for

1. properly.
2. property.
3. proposition.
4. proprietary.
5. proprietor.

prop

¹

/ prɒp /

noun

1. an informal word for propeller

prop

²

/ prɒp /

verb

1. tr to support with a rigid object, such as a stick
2. trusually also foll byagainst to place or lean
3. tr to sustain or support
4. intr to stop suddenly or unexpectedly

noun

1. something that gives rigid support, such as a stick
2. a person or thing giving support, as of a moral or spiritual nature
3. rugby either of the forwards at either end of the front row of a scrum

prop

³

/ prɒp /

noun

1. short for property

Other Words From

• un·propped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prop¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English noun prop(p)e “support, support for a vine or plant”; cognate with Middle Dutch proppe “bottle stopper,” early Modern Dutch “support for vines”

Origin of prop²

First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening

Origin of prop³

First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of prop¹

C15: related to Middle Dutch proppe vine prop; compare Old High German pfropfo shoot, German Pfropfen stopper

Idioms and Phrases

see knock the bottom (props) out from .

Example Sentences

Women will keep on doing the work of combat jobs, but will be denied the titles, honors and rewards of doing so, just to prop up the illusion that only men have the toughness to handle it.

From Salon

He added that the force was in a "precarious position" because previously used options to "prop up" its budget had run out.

From BBC

While it's a tactic that the GOP has also used to prop up candidates on the opponents' left flank, Democrats have not used that as a basis to challenge an election result.

From Salon

Sher illuminated the scene by hiding a digital projector underneath a working prop 16mm projector.

From Los Angeles Times

The 48-year-old bucket-hat lover spent eight years as a prop at Toulouse, winning two European Cups, before coaching the scrum at the Cheetahs and the Bulls.

From BBC

Related Words

• brace