prop

noun

/prɒp/

/prɑːp/

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a piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support something 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)
a person or thing that gives help or support to somebody/something that is weak
- After being the emotional prop he needed for so long, she dared not leave him.
- Many people use alcohol as a social prop.
[usually plural] a small object used by actors during the performance of a play or in a film
- He is responsible for all the stage props and lighting.
Wordfinder
- backdrop
- costume
- curtain
- footlights
- prop
- proscenium
- scenery
- set
- stage
- the wings
Topics Film and theatrec2
(also prop forward)
(in rugby) a player on either side of the front row of a scrumTopics Sports: ball and racket sportsc2

Word Originnoun senses 1 to 2 and noun sense 4 late Middle English: probably from Middle Dutch proppe ‘support (for vines)’. noun sense 3 mid 19th cent.: abbreviation of property.

prop

verb

/prɒp/

/prɑːp/

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they prop	/prɒp/ /prɑːp/
he / she / it props	/prɒps/ /prɑːps/
past simple propped	/prɒpt/ /prɑːpt/
past participle propped	/prɒpt/ /prɑːpt/
-ing form propping	/ˈprɒpɪŋ/ /ˈprɑːpɪŋ/

Phrasal Verbs

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to support an object by leaning it against something, or putting something under it, etc.; to support a person in the same way
- prop something/somebody/yourself (up) (against something) He propped his bike against the wall.
- She propped herself up on one elbow.
- He lay propped against the pillows.
- prop something + adj. The door was propped open.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
Prop is used with these nouns as the object:
chin
See full entry
Word Originverb late Middle English: probably from Middle Dutch proppe ‘support (for vines)’.