/ prɒp; NAmE prɑːp/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support sth or keep it in position :
Rescuers used props to stop the roof of the tunnel collapsing.
a pit prop (= one used in a coal mine)
2.
a person or thing that gives help or support to sb/sth that is weak
3.
[ usually pl. ] a small object used by actors during the performance of a play or in a film / movie :
He is responsible for all the stage props and lighting.
4.
(also ˈprop forward ) ( in rugby ) a player on either side of the front row of a scrum
■ verb
( -pp- ) prop sth/sb (up) (against sth) to support an object by leaning it against sth, or putting sth under it etc.; to support a person in the same way :
[ vn + adv. / prep. ]
He propped his bike against the wall.
She propped herself up on one elbow.
He lay propped against the pillows.
[ vn - adj ]
The door was propped open.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- prop sth up
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WORD ORIGIN
noun senses 1 to 2 and noun sense 4 verb late Middle English : probably from Middle Dutch proppe support (for vines).
noun sense 3 mid 19th cent.: abbreviation of property .