preserve
pre·serve / priˈzərv/ • v. [tr.] maintain (something) in its original or existing state: all records of the past were zealously preserved | [as adj.] (preserved) a magnificently preserved monastery. ∎ retain (a condition or state of affairs): a fight to preserve local democracy. ∎ maintain or keep alive (a memory or quality): the film has preserved all the qualities of the novel. ∎ keep safe from harm or injury: a place for preserving endangered species. ∎ treat or refrigerate (food) to prevent its decomposition or fermentation. ∎ prepare (fruit) for long-term storage by boiling it with sugar: [as adj.] (preserved) those sweet preserved fruits associated with Cremona. ∎ keep (game or an area where game is found) undisturbed to allow private hunting or shooting.• n. 1. (usu. preserves) food made with fruit preserved in sugar, such as jam or marmalade: home-made preserves.2. a sphere of activity regarded as being reserved for a particular person or group: the civil service became the preserve of the educated middle class.3. a place where game is protected and kept for private hunting or shooting.DERIVATIVES: pre·serv·a·ble adj.pre·serv·er n.