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 Words From

• non·pres·er·va·tion 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

He diligently befriended Cordelia Scaife May, an heiress to Andrew Mellon’s fortunes who funded forest preservation across Pennsylvania and believed in curtailing population growth, endearing himself to her with gauzy appeals.

From Salon

He framed his highest priority — the preservation of the white race — in environmental, even ecological, terms.

From Salon

“The policy challenge is how to appropriately balance critically important goals around housing production with equally important preservation and tenant protection goals,” the department wrote in a recent report.

From Los Angeles Times

Citing the use of Welsh names "aligned with the authority's commitment to promoting the Welsh language" and of "heritage preservation", officers also reported the move represented a "unique selling point" which "sets it apart from other UK national parks".

From BBC

Mrs Kennedy was a fashion icon who was dedicated to the preservation of the White House, while Mrs Ford was known as a trailblazer who advocated for abortion rights and women's rights.

From BBC

Related Words

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