prop something ↔ up phrasal verb ( see also ↑ prop )
1 . to prevent something from falling by putting something against it or under it:
The builders are trying to prop up the crumbling walls of the church.
prop something ↔ up against
paintings propped up against the wall
2 . to help an ↑ economy , industry, or government so that it can continue to exist, especially by giving money:
The government introduced measures to prop up the stock market.
3 . prop yourself up to hold your body up by leaning against something
prop yourself up on/against/with
She propped herself up on one elbow.