Meaning & use
propped
Last updated
“propped” is a form of “prop”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Held something in position by leaning it against a surface or placing a support beneath or behind it.
Grammar: Takes an object and often a place: she propped the ladder against the wall.
Patterns
- prop something against something
- prop something on something
She propped the ladder against the garage wall.
He propped the door open with a brick.
They propped the sign on a chair so everyone could see it.
verbtransitive
Supported a person's body in a raised, sitting or leaning position.
Grammar: Often used with a reflexive object: he propped himself against the wall.
Patterns
- prop yourself up
- prop someone up with something
The nurse propped him up with two pillows.
She propped herself on one elbow and listened.
He propped his chin on his hand.
verbphrasal verbfigurative
Kept something weak going by giving it help, often money, that it would not manage without.
Grammar: Used as prop up; the object may come between: propped the company up.
Patterns
- prop something up
- be propped up by something
Government loans propped up the failing airline for two years.
The regime was propped up by foreign aid.
His confidence was propped up by constant praise.
Word forms
| third person singular | props |
|---|---|
| past tense | propped |
| past participle | propped |
| -ing form | propping |
Common combinations
- propped open
- The window was propped open with a book.
- propped up
- The old shed is propped up by wooden beams.
- propped against
- Bikes were propped against the fence.
- propped on one elbow
- He lay propped on one elbow, reading.
- propped up with pillows
- She sat propped up with pillows in bed.
Synonyms and how they differ
- supported
- Supported is more general and does not say how the thing is held, while propped suggests leaning or placing something underneath.
- braced
- Braced suggests firm reinforcement against force, whereas propped can be a casual, temporary arrangement.
- leaned
- Leaned describes the angle of a thing resting on something, but propped adds that it is being held in that position.
- bolstered
- Bolstered is used mostly for abstract things like morale or arguments, while propped also fits physical objects.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: propped or propelled?
propped vs propelled
Propelled means driven forward by force. Propped means held in place by a support.
Practice
The manager ___ the door open with a chair while the movers carried boxes in.
Choose one answer.
Propped means held in position with a support. Propelled means pushed forward, which does not suit a door held open.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “propped”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.