What does "prop up" mean?

To support with, or as if with, a prop.

What is a synonym for "prop up"?

Common synonyms include: back, backing, bailout, bear, bear out, bear up.

/ˌpɹɒp ˈʌp/ verb

verb ·Uncommon ·College level

Verb

1
To support with, or as if with, a prop. transitive
"A $465 million federal loan in 2010 helped prop up Tesla at a crucial juncture, and its customers have benefitted from hefty tax incentives."
2
support by placing against something solid or rigid wordnet
3
To be at the bottom of (a league). idiomatic, transitive
"Under Moyes, United have fewer home points (21) than Norwich City and Hull City, with their count of 18 goals the same as Fulham and Cardiff City, who prop up the table."

"A $465 million federal loan in 2010 helped prop up Tesla at a crucial juncture, and its customers have benefitted from hefty tax incentives."