to keep (something) in its original or present condition, in good condition, or free from decay
to keep (something) in existence
to maintain (an appearance or type of behaviour) in spite of adverse circumstances or provocation
She preserves her habitual calm at all times
to keep (somebody or something) safe from injury, harm, or destruction; to protect
to can, pickle, or similarly prepare (a perishable food) to prevent decomposition and keep it for future use
to make a preserve of (fruit)
to keep and protect (e.g. land or game) for private, esp sporting, use
preservable adj
preservation /prezəʹvaysh(ə)n/ noun
preserver noun
[Middle English preserven via French from late Latin praeservare to guard beforehand, from Latin prae- + servare to keep, guard, observe]