资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Preserve \Pre*serve"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Preserved}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Preserving}.] [F. pr['e]server, from L. prae before +
   servare to save, preserve; cf. L. praeservare to observe
   beforehand. See {Serve}.]
   1. To keep or save from injury or destruction; to guard or
      defend from evil, harm, danger, etc.; to protect.

            O Lord, thou preserved man and beast. --Ps. xxxvi.
                                                  6.

            Now, good angels preserve the king.   --Shak.

   2. To save from decay by the use of some preservative
      substance, as sugar, salt, etc.; to season and prepare for
      remaining in a good state, as fruits, meat, etc.; as, to
      preserve peaches or grapes.

            You can not preserve it from tainting. --Shak.

   3. To maintain throughout; to keep intact; as, to preserve
      appearances; to preserve silence.

   {To preserve game}, to protect it from extermination.

   Syn: To keep; save; secure; uphold; sustain; defend; spare;
        protect; guard; shield. See {Keep}.