/prɒp; prɑp/
n
1 (esp in compounds 尤用以构成复合词) rigid support, esp a piece of wood, used to prevent sth falling or sagging 支撑物; 支柱
*Props were used to prevent the roof collapsing. 用了一些支柱以防止屋顶塌落.
* a `pit-prop
* a `clothes-prop.
2 (fig 比喻) person or thing that gives help or (esp moral) support to sb/sth 支持者; 後盾; 靠山
*a prop and comfort to her parents in their old age 她父母年老时的倚靠和安慰
* His encouragement was a great prop to her self-confidence. 有了他的鼓励, 她的自信心大大增强了.

v (-pp-)
1 (a) [Tn, Tn.pr, Cn.a] support (sth) or keep (sth) in position with a prop 支住（某物）; 用支撑物固定（某物）
*The invalid lay propped on the pillows. 那病弱者倚靠在枕头上.
* He used a box to prop the door open. 他用盒子顶住门, 让门开着.
(b) [Tn.pr] ~ sb/sth against sth lean sb/sth against sth (so that it does not fall down) 使某人[某物]倚靠在某物上
*She propped her bicycle against the wall. 她把自行车靠墙放好.
* He propped himself against the gatepost. 他倚着门柱. =>illus 见插图.
2 (phr v) prop sth up
(a) use a prop or props to raise sth and prevent it from falling 支撑起某物; 支住某物
*The roof will have to be propped up while repairs are carried out. 那屋顶在修理时要用东西支住.
* The baby cannot sit unaided she has to be propped up on pillows. 那婴儿还不会坐--得让她倚着枕头才行.
(b) (often derog 常作贬义) support sth that would otherwise fail 支持某事物
*The government refuses to prop up inefficient industries. 政府拒绝补贴效益不佳的行业.
* The regime had been propped up by foreign aid. 该政权是靠外国援助维持着的.

/prɒp; prɑp/
n (infml 口) = propeller.

/prɒp; prɑp/
n (infml 口) = property 5.