, propped, prop·ping. to support, or prevent from falling, with or as if with a prop (often followed by up ): to prop an old fence; to prop up an unpopular government. Synonyms: bolster, buttress, brace.

to lift and give support to something by putting something under it: He was sitting upright in his hospital bed, propped up by pillows.

A prop is something you use as a support, like a broom that serves as a prop to hold a door open. A prop is also something that goes on stage, like a garbage can in a Beckett play.

prop noun (RESPECT) props [ plural ] mainly US slang (also propers) respect for someone: I have to give her her props for being such a great athlete. See more. (Definition of prop from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)