<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object)<ul><li>to keep alive or in existence; make lasting: to preserve our liberties as free citizens.</li><li>Synonyms: conserve</li><li>Antonyms: destroy</li><li>to keep safe from harm or injury; protect or spare.</li><li>Synonyms: shield, shelter, safeguard</li><li>to keep up; maintain: to preserve historical monuments.</li><li>Synonyms: sustain, continue, keep up</li><li>to keep possession of; retain: to preserve one's composure.</li><li>to prepare (food or any perishable substance) so as to resist decomposition or fermentation.</li><li>to prepare (fruit, vegetables, etc.) by cooking with sugar, pickling, canning, or the like.</li><li>to maintain and reserve (game, fish, etc.) for continued survival or for private use, as in hunting or fishing.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>something that preserves.</li><li>that which is preserved.</li><li>Usually preserves: fruit, vegetables, etc., prepared by cooking with sugar.</li><li>a place set apart for protection and propagation of game or fish, especially for sport.</li></ul>