Search results for 'preserve':

preserve verb (preserved, preserving) 1 to save something from loss, damage, decay or deterioration. 2 to treat (food), eg by freezing, smoking, drying, pickling or boiling in sugar, so that it will last. 3 to maintain (eg peace, the status quo, standards, etc). 4 to keep safe from danger or death. noun 1 an area of work or activity that is restricted to certain people • Politics was once a male preserve. 2 an area of land or water where creatures are protected for private hunting, shooting or fishing. • game preserve. 3 a jam, pickle or other form in which fruit or vegetables are preserved by cooking in sugar, salt, vinegar, etc. preservable adj. preservation noun. preserver noun.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: from Latin praeservare to guard beforehand, from servare to guard.