prop
1[ 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.
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Origin of prop
1First 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, adjectiveOther definitions for prop (2 of 5)
Origin of prop
2First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening
OTHER WORDS FROM prop
propless, adjectiveOther definitions for prop (3 of 5)
prop3
[ prop ]
/ prɒp /
noun
a propeller.
Origin of prop
3First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening
Other definitions for prop (4 of 5)
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. 2022
How to use prop in a sentence
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
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)
British Dictionary definitions for prop (3 of 3)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Other Idioms and Phrases with prop
prop
see knock the bottom (props) out from.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.