preservation

American  

[prez-er-vey-shuhn] / ˌprɛz ərˈveɪ ʃən /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonpreservation noun

Etymology

Origin of preservation

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

At that time, preservation advocates were renewing efforts to raise funds for what was then estimated to be a $11.8-million restoration.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

On Thursday, he issued a highly unusual document preservation order in light of the department’s confession.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

This can be a highly effective asset preservation strategy, according to The Karp Law Firm, which has offices in Florida.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

It is also testing a drug licensed from Chugai for muscle-mass preservation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

It seemed more sedate than I remembered it, more perpendicular and strait-laced, with narrower windows and shinier woodwork, as though a coat of varnish had been put over everything for better preservation.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles

Related Words

• care
• conservancy
• conservation
• safeguarding
• safety
• security
• storage