"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.
雙語例句
1. The prop shaft vibrated like mad and shook the exhaust mounting loose.
支撐杆瘋狂地震動，將排氣管都震鬆了。
來自柯林斯例句
2. If you have difficulty sitting like this, prop up your back against a wall.
如果這麽坐著有困難，就背靠牆坐吧。
來自柯林斯例句
3. A worker put a prop against the wall of the tunnel to keep it from falling.
一名工人用東西支撐住隧道壁好使它不會倒塌.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
4. Punctuation, then, is a civic prop , a pillar that holds society upright.
如此說來, 標點乃是百姓的支柱, 是支撐社會不至於垮掉的棟梁.
來自名作英譯部分
5. The government does not intend to prop up declining industries.