prop sth ↔ up phr v [T] 1 to prevent something from falling by putting something against it or under it 支撑，撑住〔某物〕: Steel poles prop up the crumbling walls. 钢柱支撑住了倾颓的墙壁。 2 to help something to continue to exist 维持: Willis sold stocks to prop up his failing company. 威利斯卖掉了股票来维持他那濒临破产的公司。