B2 to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or being damaged or destroyed:
to preserve the environment
We want to preserve the character of the town while improving the facilities.
I need to get out of the house from time to time just to preserve (= prevent me from losing) my sanity.
See also
› to treat food in a particular way so that it can be kept for a long time without going bad:
preserved fruit
More examples
- It's our duty to preserve the planet for future generations.
- The Forestry Commission is responsible for preserving over 2 million acres of woodland.
- The remains of the Roman fort are well preserved.
- Every attempt is being made to ensure that these works of art are preserved for posterity.
- He has a collection of prehistoric insects preserved in amber.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
preserve noun (FOOD)
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
preserve noun (ACTIVITY)
› [ S ] an activity that only one person or a particular type of person does or is responsible for:
Owning racehorses is the preserve of the rich.
Sport used to be a male preserve.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
