prop

1
[ prop ]
/ prɒp /

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.

Origin of prop

1
1400–50; late Middle English proppe (noun); cognate with Middle Dutch proppe bottle stopper

OTHER WORDS FROM prop

un·propped, adjective

Definition for prop (2 of 5)

prop 2
[ prop ]
/ prɒp /

noun Theater.

Origin of prop

2
First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening

OTHER WORDS FROM prop

prop·less, adjective

Definition for prop (3 of 5)

prop 3
[ prop ]
/ prɒp /

noun

a propeller.

Origin of prop

3
First recorded in 1910–15; by shortening

Definition for prop (4 of 5)

Definition for prop (5 of 5)

prop-

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

Example sentences from the Web for prop

British Dictionary definitions for prop (1 of 3)

prop 1
/ (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)

prop 2
/ (prɒp) /

noun

short for property (def. 8)

British Dictionary definitions for prop (3 of 3)

prop 3
/ (prɒp) /

noun

an informal word for propeller

Idioms and Phrases with prop

prop

see knock the bottom (props) out from.