prop

prop1 [ prap ] noun count

1. ) something put under or against something to hold it up or in place

2. ) a piece of furniture or small object used in a play or movie:

a stage prop

3. ) someone or something that helps a system, organization, or person to be strong or to continue to exist:

He found himself becoming the emotional prop of the family.

4. ) one of the forward players in RUGBY

prop

prop 2 [ prap ] verb transitive

to hold something in position by putting something under or against it, or by leaning it against something else:

I noticed a red bicycle propped against the wall.

She looked at me sleepily, head propped on her hands.

prop something open: Prop the door open behind you so we don't get locked out.

,prop `up phrasal verb transitive

1. ) to stop something from falling by putting something under it or against it:

The wall was propped up with wooden poles.

Alice had propped herself up with pillows so she could read in bed.

2. ) to help a government, system, organization, etc. to continue to exist, especially by providing financial or military support:

This new initiative is a desperate attempt to prop up the economy.