prop

1 of 6

noun (1)

ˈpräp 

: something that props or sustains : support

prop

2 of 6

verb

propped; propping

transitive verb

1

a

: to support by placing something under or against

—often used with up

b

: to support by placing against something

2

: sustain, strengthen

—often used with up

a government propped up by the military

prop

3 of 6

noun (2)

1

: property sense 3

stage props

2

: something used in creating or enhancing a desired effect

buy books … as cultural props because they want to appear literate

—John Powers

prop

4 of 6

noun (3)

: propeller

prop

5 of 6

abbreviation

1

property

2

proposition

3

proprietor

prop-

6 of 6

combining form

: related to propionic acid

propane

propyl

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• brace
• buttress
• mount
• mounting
• reinforcement
• shore
• spur
• stay
• support
• underpinning

Verb

• bear
• bolster
• brace
• buttress
• carry
• shore (up)
• stay
• support
• sustain
• undergird
• underpin
• uphold

Examples of prop in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a prop kept the porch of the dilapidated house from collapsing

Verb

She propped the rake against a tree.

We propped the shed's roof with poles.

The window was propped open.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Many have propped him up, in the good times and the bad, and some now stand to gain from his new position in U.S. politics. —Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024

Some hospitals have also been giving staff refreshers on safety protocol, reminding them not to leave doors propped open and to report suspicious behavior. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Noun

Hot on the heels of the season's release last week, Netflix shared a look into what went behind putting it together, from bringing in props from past seasons to tying in elements like river rocks that signify the couple's relationship. —Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024

Russell is eventually seen sweeping props off a desk, causing a person in the corner to cower as objects go flying. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English proppe, from Middle Dutch, stopper; akin to Middle Low German proppe stopper

Combining form

International Scientific Vocabulary, from propionic (acid)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1507, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1914, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prop

• prop forward
• prop root
• prop up

Kids Definition

prop

1 of 4 noun

ˈpräp 

: something that props or supports

prop

2 of 4 verb

propped; propping

1

a

: to hold up or keep from falling or slipping by placing a support under or against

prop up a broken chair

b

: to support by placing against something

propped the rake against a tree

2

: to give help, encouragement, or support to

propped up by his faith in times of crisis

prop

3 of 4 noun

: property sense 4

prop

4 of 4 noun

: propeller