definition of
preserve

[1] #1 preserve v. [continue, uphold, carry on, bear on] keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last; "preserve the peace in the family"; "continue the family tradition"; "Carry on the old traditions". wn

[2] #2 preserve v. [conserve, maintain, keep up] keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction; "We preserve these archeological findings"; "The old lady could not keep up the building"; "children must be taught to conserve our national heritage"; "The museum curator conserved the an. wn

[3] #3 preserve v. [save] to keep up and reserve for personal or special use; "She saved the old family photographs in a drawer". wn

[4] #4 preserve n. a domain that seems to be specially reserved for someone; "medicine is no longer a male preserve". wn

[5] #5 preserve v. [keep] prevent (food) from rotting; "preserved meats"; "keep potatoes fresh". wn