proof ◆◇◇ /pruː f/ (proofs )
1 N‑VAR [N that] Proof is a fact, argument, or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists. □ [+ of ] I would need to bring in something with my French address on it as proof of residence. □ This is not necessarily proof that he is wrong.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] In publishing, the proofs of a book, magazine, or article are a first copy of it that is printed so that mistakes can be corrected before more copies are printed and published. □ [+ of ] I'm correcting the proofs of the Spanish edition right now. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Proof is also an adjective. □ …an uncorrected proof copy of the book.
3 ADJ Proof is used after a number of degrees or a percentage, when indicating the strength of a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky. □ …a glass of Wild Turkey bourbon: 101 degrees proof.
4 the proof of the pudding is in the eating → see pudding
-proof /-pruːf/ (-proofs , -proofing , -proofed )
1 COMB -proof combines with nouns and verbs to form adjectives which indicate that something cannot be damaged or badly affected by the thing or action mentioned. □ …a bomb-proof aircraft. □ In a large microwave-proof dish, melt butter for 20 seconds.
2 COMB -proof combines with nouns to form verbs which refer to protecting something against being damaged or badly affected by the thing mentioned. □ [V n] …home energy efficiency grants towards the cost of draught-proofing your home. □ [V -ed] …inflation-proofed pensions.
3 → see also bullet-proof , childproof , damp-proof course , fireproof , ovenproof , soundproof , waterproof , weatherproof
proof|read /pruː friːd/ (proofreads , proofreading ) also proof-read VERB When someone proofreads something such as a book or an article, they read it before it is published in order to find and mark mistakes that need to be corrected. □ [V n] I didn't even have the chance to proofread my own report. [Also V ]
prop /prɒ p/ (props , propping , propped )
1 VERB If you prop an object on or against something, you support it by putting something underneath it or by resting it somewhere. □ [V n + on/against ] He rocked back in the chair and propped his feet on the desk. [Also V n adv/prep] ● PHRASAL VERB Prop up means the same as prop . □ [V n P prep] Sam slouched back and propped his elbows up on the bench behind him. □ [V P n prep] If you have difficulty sitting like this, prop up your back against a wall.
2 N‑COUNT A prop is a stick or other object that you use to support something.
3 N‑COUNT To be a prop for a system, institution, or person means to be the main thing that keeps them strong or helps them survive. □ The army is one of the main props of the government.
4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The props in a play or film are all the objects or pieces of furniture that are used in it. □ …the backdrop and props for a stage show.
▸ prop up
1 PHRASAL VERB To prop up something means to support it or help it to survive. □ [V P n] Investments in the U.S. money market have propped up the American dollar. □ [V n P ] On the Stock Exchange, aggressive buying propped the market up.
2 → see prop 1
propa|gan|da /prɒ pəgæ ndə/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Propaganda is information, often inaccurate information, which a political organization publishes or broadcasts in order to influence people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The party adopted an aggressive propaganda campaign against its rivals.
propa|gan|dist /prɒ pəgæ nd I st/ (propagandists ) N‑COUNT A propagandist is a person who tries to persuade people to support a particular idea or group, often by giving inaccurate information. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ for ] He was also a brilliant propagandist for free trade.
propa|gan|dize /prɒ pəgæ nda I z/ (propagandizes , propagandizing , propagandized ) in BRIT, also use propagandise VERB If you say that a group of people propagandize , you think that they are dishonestly trying to persuade other people to share their views. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] You can propagandize just by calling attention to something. □ [V n] This government shouldn't propagandize its own people.
propa|gate /prɒ pəge I t/ (propagates , propagating , propagated )
1 VERB If people propagate an idea or piece of information, they spread it and try to make people believe it or support it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] They propagated political doctrines which promised to tear apart the fabric of our society. ● propa|ga|tion /prɒ pəge I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the propagation of true Buddhism.
2 VERB If you propagate plants, you grow more of them from the original ones. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] The easiest way to propagate a vine is to take hardwood cuttings. □ [be V -ed + from ] The pasque flower can be propagated from seed. [Also V n + from ] ● propa|ga|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the successful propagation of a batch of plants.
pro|pane /proʊ pe I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Propane is a gas that is used for cooking and heating. □ …a propane gas cylinder.
pro|pel /prəpe l/ (propels , propelling , propelled )
1 VERB To propel something in a particular direction means to cause it to move in that direction. □ [V n prep] Floor the accelerator pedal and you are propelled forward in a wave of power. ● COMB -propelled combines with nouns to form adjectives which indicate how something, especially a weapon, is propelled. □ …rocket-propelled grenades.