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."
separable
prop up
B2 neutral separable transitive
to support something physically or keep it from failing
In plain English
to hold something so it does not fall, or help something keep going
What does "prop up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to help something weak continue to exist or succeed
"Cheap loans helped prop up the struggling company for another year."
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Literally, to support something with a prop.
Actually means
to hold something so it does not fall, or help something keep going
Usage tip
Very common both literally and figuratively. Often used about economies, businesses, confidence, and weak structures.
Words that pair with "prop up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
door economy market government head business
How to conjugate "prop up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "prop up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "prop up"
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Keep exploring
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