Prop up Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɹɑp/ /ˈəp
PRAHP-ŭp
pɹˈɒp/ /ˈʌp
prop-UHP
Definition
To support something physically so it does not fall, or to support someone or something so it can continue, especially when it is weak or failing.
Usage & Nuances
'Prop up' can be literal (holding up a physical object) or figurative (providing help or support to something struggling, like a business or government). It's informal and often used to imply temporary or artificial support.
Spanish: apuntalar - sostener - respaldar (figurado)Portuguese (BR): sustentar - apoiar - segurar (figurado)Portuguese (PT): sustentar - apoiar - segurar (figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 支撑 - 支持 (比喻)Chinese (Traditional): 支撐 - 支持 (比喻)Hindi: समर्थन देना - सहारा देना (रूपक अर्थ में)Arabic: يدعم - يسند (مجازي)Bengali: ভর দিয়ে রাখা - সমর্থন দেওয়াRussian: поддерживать - подпиратьJapanese: 支える - 下支えするVietnamese: chống đỡ - nâng đỡKorean: 받쳐 주다 - 지탱하다Turkish: desteklemek - ayakta tutmakUrdu: سہارا دینا - قائم رکھناIndonesian: menopang - mendukung
Example Sentences
We used a stick to prop up the broken fence.
basic
She put a pillow behind his back to prop up his head.
basic
The government tried to prop up failing banks.
basic
He desperately needed friends to prop up his confidence.
natural
Is your chair broken? You can prop it up with this book.
natural
The company was propped up by emergency loans during the crisis.
natural