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. See propeller
   an informal word for propeller

prop

²

/ prɒp /

noun

1. See property
   short for property

prop

³

/ 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

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

Without the proper equipment to repair and operate the Mohajer-4 it may be more of a photo prop than a piece of weaponry.

From The Daily Beast

But this year, New Yorkers have a shot at making real changes through a ballot initiative sonorously known as Prop 1.

From The Daily Beast

This is good—no one needs rape on TV used as a prop, or as background noise, or for shock value.

From The Daily Beast

They see themselves being set up as a sacrifice for a U.S. policy meant to prop up Iraq.

From The Daily Beast

After we tour the river we fly on a single-prop plane back to Fort Mac.

From The Daily Beast

He realized for the first time what a prop and resource the deep maturity and scornful strength of his mother had been.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the thought of what had awakened her made her prop herself up on an elbow and gaze around.

From Project Gutenberg

Just now, Grandfather's keyster is the Rock of Gibraltar, the financial prop that is sustaining the whole structure.

From Project Gutenberg

If, by accident, the underground roots die off, the plant relies entirely on these air and prop roots for support and food.

From Project Gutenberg

The strong prop roots are generally of the same diameter throughout, though sometimes they thicken at the ends.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brace