Dictionary definition · preserve
noun
- a domain that seems to be specially reserved for someone"medicine is no longer a male preserve"
- a reservation where animals are protected
- fruit preserved by cooking with sugar
verb
- keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last"preserve the peace in the family"
- keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction"We preserve these archeological findings"
- to keep up and reserve for personal or special use"She saved the old family photographs in a drawer"
- prevent (food) from rotting"preserved meats"
- maintain in safety from injury, harm, or danger"May God keep you"
- keep undisturbed for personal or private use for hunting, shooting, or fishing"preserve the forest and the lakes"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).