prop1

[prop] /prɒp/
verb (used with object), propped, propping.
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.
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
4.
a stick, rod, pole, beam, or other rigid support.
5.
a person or thing serving as a support or stay:
His father is his financial prop.
Origin
1400-50; late Middle English proppe (noun); cognate with Middle Dutch proppe bottle stopper
Related forms
unpropped, adjective
Synonyms
1. brace, buttress, bolster.

prop2

[prop] /prɒp/
noun, Theater
1.
property (def 8).
Origin
1910-15; by shortening
Related forms
propless, adjective

prop3

[prop] /prɒp/
noun
1.
a propeller.
Origin
1910-15; by shortening

prop-

1.
a combining form representing propionic acid in compound words:
propanil.

prop.

1.
properly.
2.
property.
3.
proposition.
4.
proprietary.
5.
proprietor.
Examples from the web for prop
  • So my hands couldn't hold them still at all, even with a good prop.
  • Suggest alternatives when the proposed prop or costume isn't accurate.
  • The findings indicate that the ability to prop up the body is more ancient than previously believed.
  • The kitchen counter bears ledges to prop up little feet.
  • Withholding streaming rights is really the only stick the movie studios have in this fight to prop up physical media.
  • Among other things, demand from consumers for the prop.
  • Remember to prop your feet and have a travel pillow handy to allow your body to relax while at work.
  • Dual vents prop open, allowing extra airflow in and keeping condensation out.
  • The yard lamp died years before, but provided a good prop for the ivy.
  • The bank bail-outs hog attention, but many of the government's crisis measures were designed to prop up the shadow system.
British Dictionary definitions for prop

prop1

/prɒp/
verb props, propping, propped when tr, often foll by up
1.
(transitive) to support with a rigid object, such as a stick
2.
(transitive) usually also foll by against. to place or lean
3.
(transitive) to sustain or support
4.
(intransitive) (Austral & NZ) to stop suddenly or unexpectedly
noun
5.
something that gives rigid support, such as a stick
6.
a person or thing giving support, as of a moral or spiritual nature
7.
(rugby) either of the forwards at either end of the front row of a scrum
Word Origin
C15: related to Middle Dutch proppe vine prop; compare Old High German pfropfo shoot, German Pfropfen stopper

prop2

/prɒp/
noun
1.
short for property (sense 8)

prop3

/prɒp/
noun
1.
an informal word for propeller
Word Origin and History for prop
n.

"support," mid-15c., from Middle Dutch proppe "vine prop, support," of unknown origin. Probably related to Old High German pfropfo, German pfropfen "to prop," perhaps from Latin propago "a set, layer of a plant" (see propagation). Irish propa, Gaelic prop are from English.

"object used in a play," 1898, from props (1841), shortened form of properties (which was in theatrical use from early 15c.). Props as slang shortening for proper respects (or something similar) appeared c.1999.

short for propeller, 1914.

v.

"to support," mid-15c., probably from prop (n.1) or a related verb in Dutch. Related: Propped; propping.

Slang definitions & phrases for prop

prop

noun

An article used on stage or in a film; property (1841+ Theater)


prop

noun

A propeller (1914+)


Related Abbreviations for prop

prop

propeller

prop.

  1. proper
  2. property
  3. proposition
  4. proprietor
  5. proprietress
Idioms and Phrases with prop

prop

see: knock the bottom (props) out from