prop

[ prop ]

/ prɒp /

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verb (used with object), propped, prop·ping.

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.

to rest (a thing) against a support: He propped his cane against the wall.

to support or sustain (often followed by up).

noun

a stick, rod, pole, beam, or other rigid support.

a person or thing serving as a support or stay: His father is his financial prop.

OTHER WORDS FOR prop

1 brace, buttress, bolster.

See synonyms for prop on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of prop

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”

OTHER WORDS FROM prop

un·propped, adjective

Other definitions for prop (2 of 5)

prop²

[ prop ]

/ prɒp /

noun Theater.

property (def. 8).

Origin of prop

First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening

OTHER WORDS FROM prop

propless, adjective

Other definitions for prop (3 of 5)

prop³

[ prop ]

/ prɒp /

noun

a propeller.

Origin of prop

First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening

Other definitions for prop (4 of 5)

prop-

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

Other definitions for prop (5 of 5)

prop.

abbreviation

properly.

property.

proposition.

proprietary.

proprietor.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use prop in a sentence

Without the proper equipment to repair and operate the Mohajer-4 it may be more of a photo prop than a piece of weaponry.
ISIS: We Nabbed an Iranian Drone|Jacob Siegel|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But this year, New Yorkers have a shot at making real changes through a ballot initiative sonorously known as Prop 1.
Hate Hyper-Partisanship? Support Redistricting Reform Now|John Avlon|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is good—no one needs rape on TV used as a prop, or as background noise, or for shock value.
The Walking Dead’s ‘Slabtown’: The Real Source of Terror Isn’t Walkers, It’s Rape|Melissa Leon|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They see themselves being set up as a sacrifice for a U.S. policy meant to prop up Iraq.
Why Does the Free Syrian Army Hate Us?|Jamie Dettmer|October 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

After we tour the river we fly on a single-prop plane back to Fort Mac.
Our Trip to The Climate War's Ground Zero|Darren Aronofsky|September 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He realized for the first time what a prop and resource the deep maturity and scornful strength of his mother had been.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
Then the thought of what had awakened her made her prop herself up on an elbow and gaze around.
The Adventure Girls at K Bar O|Clair Blank
Just now, Grandfather's keyster is the Rock of Gibraltar, the financial prop that is sustaining the whole structure.
David Lannarck, Midget|George S. Harney
If, by accident, the underground roots die off, the plant relies entirely on these air and prop roots for support and food.
Philippine Mats|Hugo H. Miller
The strong prop roots are generally of the same diameter throughout, though sometimes they thicken at the ends.
Philippine Mats|Hugo H. Miller

British Dictionary definitions for prop (1 of 3)

prop¹

/ (prɒp) /

verb props, propping or propped (when tr, often foll by up)

(tr) to support with a rigid object, such as a stick

(tr usually also foll by against) to place or lean

(tr) to sustain or support

(intr) Australian and NZ to stop suddenly or unexpectedly

noun

something that gives rigid support, such as a stick

a person or thing giving support, as of a moral or spiritual nature

rugby either of the forwards at either end of the front row of a scrum

Word Origin for prop

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

British Dictionary definitions for prop (2 of 3)

prop²

/ (prɒp) /

noun

short for property (def. 8)

British Dictionary definitions for prop (3 of 3)

prop³

/ (prɒp) /

noun

an informal word for propeller

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with prop

prop

see knock the bottom (props) out from.

prop

OTHER WORDS FOR prop

Origin of prop

OTHER WORDS FROM prop

Other definitions for prop (2 of 5)

Origin of prop

OTHER WORDS FROM prop

Other definitions for prop (3 of 5)

Origin of prop

Other definitions for prop (4 of 5)

Other definitions for prop (5 of 5)

Words related to prop

How to use prop in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for prop (1 of 3)

Word Origin for prop

British Dictionary definitions for prop (2 of 3)

British Dictionary definitions for prop (3 of 3)

Other Idioms and Phrases with prop