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prop

prop

27 3.3
An object put under or against something to keep it from falling
  • noun
  • /prɑp/
translation icon : puntal
  • The construction worker placed a wooden prop under the beam to stabilize it.

Examples

  • To support the old monument, they used a sturdy metal prop at its base.

  • You think we can straighten that prop?

  • But at that particular moment, a prop was exactly what Matt needed.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • At the same time, the prop functions to keep color an active player within the relatively subdued design.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The fins could have served as props for the body.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Firemen are working to secure it and what is left of the floor with metal props and hydraulic jacks.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • During the performance, the actor accidentally knocked over the prop that was meant to mimic a tree.

Synonyms

stand
vsprop
322 2.5

A piece of furniture that holds or shows things

is mainly a small under or against support that prevents movement
holder
vsprop
73 1.4

A thing that holds or supports other objects, like a pen stand

supports from beneath or beside to prevent falling or shaking
tripod
vsprop
39 3.3

A stand with three legs that holds things like a camera or cooking pot steady

is usually a simple object placed under or against to prevent falling
stabilizer
vsprop
  • US
7 4.1

A device or material that keeps something steady, for example a tripod

acts mainly as a simple under or against support to prevent tipping
1 4.0

A part that holds something and keeps it upright, like columns or a skeleton

is a small item placed under or against to stop shifting
underthing
vsprop
1 8.2

A padded layer placed under something to protect it

is placed directly under or against to keep something from moving or falling
bracing
vsprop
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A support added to a frame to keep it steady

works as a basic support placed under or against to stop shaking
friction prop
vsprop
  • Specialized
9.9

A temporary steel support that holds a roof when sliding tubes rub together

is a simple support placed under or against to stop falling or shaking
friction yielding prop
vsprop
  • Specialized
9.4

A steel support post that slides to reduce pressure from the ground in mines or tunnels

is a basic object placed under or against to prevent movement

Compounds

single prop
  • Specialized
1 7.1

A small plane with one propeller that people use for short flights

double-prop
  • Specialized
6.8

A plane with an engine that turns two propellers in opposite directions to make it more stable

friction prop
  • Specialized
9.9

A temporary steel support that holds a roof when sliding tubes rub together

9.4

A steel support post that slides to reduce pressure from the ground in mines or tunnels

9.9

A steel support used in mines or tunnels that lets parts slide to take pressure safely

prop wash
  • Specialized
8.4

A propeller or rotor pushes air backward that can shake things nearby

Prop H8
  • Offensive
9.8

An insulting name for the 2008 California vote that opposed same-sex marriage

prop root
  • Specialized
7.5

A part of a plant that grows from the stem above ground and holds the plant in place

twin-prop
  • Specialized
6.8

A small plane with two propellers and engines used for short flights

How Supportive

jack
27 4.8
support
141 1.4
brace
85 4.0
prop
27 3.3
wedge
34 3.4

Surface Forms

prop singular
props plural

Etymology

Prop (noun, support) comes from the same old word for 'support' or a 'stick to hold things up'. That's why a prop is an object put under or against something to keep it steady.