preserve

 
Pronunciation: /prɪˈzəːv/

verb

[with object]
  • 1maintain (something) in its original or existing state: all records of the past were zealously preserved (as adjective preserved) a magnificently preserved monastery
  • retain (a condition or state of affairs): a fight to preserve local democracy
  • maintain or keep alive (a memory or quality): the film has preserved all the qualities of the novel
  • keep safe from harm or injury: a place for preserving endangered species
  • keep (game or an area where game is found) undisturbed to allow private hunting or shooting.
  • 2treat (food) to prevent its decomposition: freezing and canning can be reliable methods of preserving foods
  • prepare (fruit) for long-term storage by boiling it with sugar: (as adjective preserved) preserved oranges

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] a foodstuff made with fruit preserved in sugar, such as jam or marmalade: a jar of cherry preserve [count noun]: home-made preserves
  • 2a sphere of activity regarded as being reserved for a particular person or group: the civil service became the preserve of the educated middle class
  • 3chiefly North American a place where game is protected and kept for private hunting or shooting.

Derivatives

preservable

adjective

preserver

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'keep safe from harm'): from Old French preserver, from late Latin praeservare, from prae- 'before, in advance' + servare 'to keep'