prop up

phrasal verb

propped up; propping up; props up

1

: to stop (something) from falling or slipping by placing something under or against it

We propped up the beams with long boards.

propped the plant stems up

2

: to give help, encouragement, or support to (someone)

His faith propped him up in times of crisis.

Examples of prop up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The result, for me, was worth the temporary aches and sleeping propped up—and yes, the money. —Patricia Tortolani, Allure, 29 Jan. 2026

Lee’s always been straightforward about his mission, which has always been to prop up small businesses and restaurants that don’t get enough attention. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Jan. 2026

And in any case, the coins’ value often collapses on their own, since they’re propped up by nothing except a fleeting moment of internet virality. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 28 Jan. 2026

Aggressive government spending in wealthy countries is propping up global economic growth, but poses a threat to long-term financial stability. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for prop up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup