Definition

1. Noun:

   • A support placed beneath or against something to keep it from shaking or falling: A physical object used to hold something up or in place.
   • Any movable article or object used on the set of a play or movie: An item used by actors or to decorate a stage or film set; a theatrical property.
   • (Informal) A propeller: A shortened, informal form of "propeller," a device with blades that rotates to push against air or water.

2. Verb:

   • To support by placing against something solid or rigid: To hold something up or prevent it from falling by putting a support under or against it.
   • (Figurative) To provide support or stability to something abstract: To sustain or bolster an institution, idea, or person.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physical Support):

  • He used a wooden prop to keep the window open.
  • The old tree served as a prop for the fence.

• Noun (Theatrical/Object):

  • The actor forgot his most important prop, the letter.
  • The stage was filled with props from different historical periods.

• Noun (Propeller):

  • The boat's prop was damaged by debris in the water.

• Verb (Physical Support):

  • She propped the ladder against the wall.
  • We propped up the sagging shelf with a stack of books.

• Verb (Figurative Support):

  • The government propped up the failing industry with subsidies.
  • He was the friend who propped her up during the difficult time.

Advanced Usage

• "Prop up": To support something physically or figuratively, often implying it is weak or would otherwise fail.
  • The regime was propped up by foreign aid.
• In theater/film: The term "prop" is often categorized further (e.g., hand props, set props).
  • The director asked for all hand props to be placed on the prop table.

Variants and Related Words

• Propeller (n): The full, formal term for a device with rotating blades that drives a vehicle.
• Property (n): In theater/film, the full term from which "prop" is derived, meaning any item used on stage that is not part of the scenery or worn by an actor.
• Support (n/v): A general term for holding something up or providing assistance.

Synonyms

• Noun (Support): Brace, buttress, shore, strut, pillar.
• Noun (Theatrical item): Accessory, object, article.
• Verb: Support, brace, bolster, shore up, uphold, sustain.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Prop up: To support or sustain.
  • They used loans to prop up the business.

Related Idioms

• The prop and stay: A person or thing that provides essential support (somewhat literary/archaic).
  • He was the prop and stay of his family.

Noun

1. a propeller that rotates to push against air
2. any movable articles or objects used on the set of a play or movie
   • before every scene he ran down his checklist of props
3. a support placed beneath or against something to keep it from shaking or falling

Verb

1. support by placing against something solid or rigid
   • shore and buttress an old building