¹preserve

verb pre·serve \pri-ˈzərv\

: to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition

: to keep (something) safe from harm or loss

: to prevent (food) from decaying

pre·servedpre·serv·ing

Full Definition of PRESERVE

transitive verb

: to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction : protect

a : to keep alive, intact, or free from decay

b : maintain

a : to keep or save from decomposition

b : to can, pickle, or similarly prepare for future use

: to keep up and reserve for personal or special use

intransitive verb

: to make preserves

: to raise and protect game for purposes of sport

: to be able to be preserved (as by canning)

— pre·serv·abil·i·ty \-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— pre·serv·able \-ˈzər-və-bəl\ adjective

— pres·er·va·tion \ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən\ noun

— pre·serv·er \pri-ˈzər-vər\ noun

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Origin of PRESERVE

Middle English, from Medieval Latin praeservare, from Late Latin, to observe beforehand, from Latin prae- + servare to keep, guard, observe — more at conserve

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PRESERVE

Synonyms: conserve, keep up, maintain, save

²preserve

noun

: a sweet food made of fruit cooked in sugar

: an area where plants, animals, minerals, etc., are protected

: an activity, job, interest, etc., that is available to or considered suitable for only a particular group of people

Full Definition of PRESERVE

: fruit canned or made into jams or jellies or cooked whole or in large pieces in a syrup so as to keep its shape —often used in plural

: an area restricted for the protection and preservation of natural resources (as animals or plants) <a game preserve for regulated hunting or fishing> <nature preserves>

: something regarded as reserved for certain persons

See preserve defined for English-language learners