Meaning of the word "prop up" in English

What does "prop up" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

prop up

US /prɑːp ʌp/

UK /prɒp ʌp/

to support something that is falling or is likely to fall

Example:

•

He used a stick to prop up the leaning fence.

•

The old building needed to be propped up with wooden beams.

Synonym:

support shore up buttress bolster brace

to give help or support to something, especially an economy or a system, so that it can continue to exist

Example:

•

The government had to prop up the failing banks.

•

Foreign aid is used to prop up the country's weak economy.

Synonym:

sustain maintain uphold bolster subsidize