"to support," mid-15c., probably from prop (n.1) or a related verb in Dutch. Related: Propped; propping.
prop (n.1)
"support," mid-15c., from Middle Dutch proppe "vine prop, support," of unknown origin. Probably related to Old High German pfropfo, German pfropfen "to prop," perhaps from Latin propago "a set, layer of a plant" (see propagation). Irish propa, Gaelic prop are from English.
prop (n.2)
"object used in a play," 1898, from props (1841), shortened form of properties (which was in theatrical use from early 15c.). Props as slang shortening for proper respects (or something similar) appeared c. 1999.
prop (n.3)
short for propeller, 1914.
双语例句
1. The prop shaft vibrated like mad and shook the exhaust mounting loose.
支撑杆疯狂地震动，将排气管都震松了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. If you have difficulty sitting like this, prop up your back against a wall.
如果这么坐着有困难，就背靠墙坐吧。
来自柯林斯例句
3. A worker put a prop against the wall of the tunnel to keep it from falling.
一名工人用东西支撑住隧道壁好使它不会倒塌.
来自《简明英汉词典》
4. Punctuation, then, is a civic prop , a pillar that holds society upright.
如此说来, 标点乃是百姓的支柱, 是支撑社会不至于垮掉的栋梁.
来自名作英译部分
5. The government does not intend to prop up declining industries.