prop up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Support something to stop it falling, literally or financially
Why “up”? Movement goes from low to high.
“They propped up the failing bank.”
“She propped up the shelf with a brick.”
Test yourself
“They propped up the failing bank.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
call up
Same up pattern: upward
Telephone someone; Order someone to join military service; Display information on a screen or computer; Bring a memory or feeling vividly to mind; Select a player for a higher-level team
climb up
Same up pattern: upward
Ascend by gripping or stepping
get up
Same up pattern: upward
Rise from bed or a seat; Move to a standing position; Increase in strength
hold up
Same up pattern: upward
Raise and keep raised
jump up
Same up pattern: upward
Spring upward into the air
keep up
Same up pattern: upward
Continue at the same level or rate; Move at the same speed as someone else; Stay informed about something current; Prevent someone from going to bed or sleeping; Prevent something from falling down; Maintain pretences, an appearance or a habit; Match the social or financial standard of others
lift up
Same up pattern: upward
Raise something with force
look up
Same up pattern: upward
Direct your eyes upward; Search for information in a book or online; Start to become better; Admire and respect someone (look up to)
Practice “prop up” in Sink In
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