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Origin and Etymology of prop
Middle English proppe, from Middle Dutch, stopper; akin to Middle Low German proppe stopper
Definition of prop
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
Examples of prop in a Sentence
She propped the rake against a tree.
We propped the shed's roof with poles.
The window was propped open.
First Known Use of prop
1507
Definition of prop
1
:property 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
First Known Use of prop
1841
Other Performing Arts Terms
First Known Use of prop
1914
Other Performing Arts Terms
prop-
combining form
Definition of prop-
:related to propionic acid
- propane
- propyl
Origin and Etymology of prop-
International Scientific Vocabulary, from propionic (acid)
PROP Defined for English Language Learners
prop
verb
Definition of prop for English Language Learners
-
: to support (something) by placing it against something else or by placing something under it
PROP Defined for Kids
Definition of prop for Students
propped;
propping
1
:to keep from falling or slipping by providing a support under or against
- … he propped his head on his elbow and studied me closely.
- —Jean Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain
2
:to give help, encouragement, or support to
Learn More about prop
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See words that rhyme with prop Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prop Spanish Central: Translation of prop Nglish: Translation of prop for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prop for Arabic speakers
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