prop
pronunciation
How to pronounce prop in British English:
UK [prɒp]
How to pronounce prop in American English:
US [prɑːp]
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- Noun:
- a support placed beneath or against something to keep it from shaking or falling
- any movable articles or objects used on the set of a play or movie
- a propeller that rotates to push against air
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- Verb:
- support by placing against something solid or rigid
Word Origin
- prop (v.)
- "to support," mid-15c., probably from prop (n.1) or a related verb in Dutch. Related: Propped; propping.
- prop (n.1)
- "support," mid-15c., from Middle Dutch proppe "vine prop, support," of unknown origin. Probably related to Old High German pfropfo, German pfropfen "to prop," perhaps from Latin propago "a set, layer of a plant" (see propagation). Irish propa, Gaelic prop are from English.
- prop (n.2)
- "object used in a play," 1898, from props (1841), shortened form of properties (which was in theatrical use from early 15c.). Props as slang shortening for proper respects (or something similar) appeared c. 1999.
- prop (n.3)
- short for propeller, 1914.
Example
- 1. China already provides extensive aid to prop up its communist neighbour .
- 2. The private debt purchased by the fed to prop up the financial system might sour .
- 3. Have your model hold a prop for more natural looking hands
- 4. Workers then borrow to prop up their consumption .
- 5. Equally , fiscal policy will be a prop .