preservationist

[ prez-er-vey-shuh-nist ]

noun

1. a person who advocates or promotes preservation, especially of wildlife, natural areas, or historical places:

   A group of historic preservationists is working to keep the old meeting house intact by turning it into a haven for scholars, researchers, and academics.

Other Words From

• preser·vation·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of preservationist¹

1925–30; preservation ( def ) + -ist

Example Sentences

Crusius was like all the great preservationists “maintaining what is and what is beautiful for the benefit of future generations.”

From Salon

“Elections were such a big deal, they were an all day affair,” says King, who began her career as a historic preservationist.

From Salon

Times editor, city librarian, pal of Teddy Roosevelt’s, lover, poet, Native American ethnographer, cultural preservationist and founder of L.A.’s first real museum, the Southwest Museum.

From Los Angeles Times

Not until 1981, when only nine remained on the streets, did the city adopt a preservationist attitude, designating the survivors with landmark status.

From Seattle Times

Fans and landmark preservationists have argued that the house is a part of Hollywood history and should be designated a protected property as a part of her legacy.

From New York Times

Related Words

• biologist
• botanist
• conservationist
• ecologist
• environmentalist
• zoologist