English Reference

Phrasal verb

prop up

Definition

phrasal verb. to support something so it stays in place or does not fall. You can also use it when you help a failing business or system stay active.

phrasal verb. To support something physically by placing an object under or against it; figuratively, to provide support to a failing organization, system, or economy to prevent its collapse. Transitive.

Examples

“Use a pillow to prop up your head while you read.”

“The government had to prop up the national airline with a massive loan during the crisis.”

“Despite the central bank's intervention to prop up the currency, investors remained skeptical about the long-term stability of the market.”

Examples

simple

“Use a pillow to prop up your head while you read.”

contextual

“The government had to prop up the national airline with a massive loan during the crisis.”

complex

“Despite the central bank's intervention to prop up the currency, investors remained skeptical about the long-term stability of the market.”

Usage

The phrase applies to both physical objects and abstract systems like economies or businesses.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'support'; 'prop up' often implies that the thing being helped is weak and would fail without outside assistance.

Pitfall

The government tried to prop up it.

The government tried to prop it up.

When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

prop + up + object

Synonyms

stayreinforcebolstershore upsupport

Antonyms

undermineweaken

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference