prop up
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
to hold something so it does not fall, or help something keep going
Literal meaning: Literally, to support something with a prop.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
to support something by putting something under or against it so it stays upright
"She propped the window up with a thick book."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to help something weak continue to exist or succeed
"Cheap loans helped prop up the struggling company for another year."
Grammar: separable
3 B2 neutral
to position a person or body part so it is supported
"He was sitting in bed, propped up by two pillows."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Very common both literally and figuratively. Often used about economies, businesses, confidence, and weak structures.
Commonly used with
door economy market government head business
Forms
Base
prop up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
props up
he/she/it
Past simple
proped up
yesterday
Past participle
proped up
have + pp
-ing form
proping up
continuous
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Synonyms
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