preservation

[prez-er-vey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of keeping something in existence.

   The creation, stabilization, and preservation of quality long-term affordable housing is a critical step in maintaining a healthy community.

2. the act or process of keeping something safe from damage or deterioration.

   The facilities include air-conditioned storage vaults for optimum preservation of the historic film archive.

   The natural growth of population continuously presents problems for the preservation of the environment.

3. the process of preparing food or other perishables to resist spoilage or decomposition.

   Historic techniques of food preservation include drying, smoking, pickling, and salting.

Other Word Forms

• nonpreservation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of preservation¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Medieval Latin praeservātion-, stem of praeservātio “a guarding,” equivalent to praeservāt-, stem of praeservāre + Latin -iō -ion ( def. ); preserve ( def. )

Example Sentences

Wealth preservation seems simpler: Stick to a budget and maintain the investment strategy that’s set for you.

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Another highlight of the most recent study was the preservation of muscle morphology.

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Its expansion from a weekend to a weeklong event this year, notes Bridget Lawlor, preservation director for Pasadena Heritage, allows for more institutional partnerships.

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While phase two maintenance works, including full repainting and preservation, was not due to finish until spring 2026, the bridge had remained open while this took place.

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Camp Pendleton has won praise for balancing national security needs with environmental preservation.

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Related Words

• care 
• conservancy 
• conservation 
• safeguarding www.thesaurus.com
• safety 
• security 
• storage