Real Dictionary

preserve
countable noun: A nature preserve is an area of land or water where animals are protected from hunters.
countable noun: If you say that a job or activity is the preserve of a particular person or group of people, you mean that they are the only ones who take part in it.
plural noun: Preserves are foods such as jam that are made by cooking fruit with a large amount of sugar so that they can be stored for a long time.
verb: If you preserve a situation or condition, you make sure that it remains as it is, and does not change or end.
verb: If you preserve food, you treat it in order to prevent it from decaying so that you can store it for a long time.
verb: If you preserve something, you take action to save it or protect it from damage or decay.

preserve in American English
fruit preserved whole or in large pieces by cooking with sugar
to keep from harm, damage, danger, evil, etc.; protect; save
to preserve fruit, etc.
intransitive verb: to preserve fruit, vegetables, etc.; make preserves
noun: something that preserves
transitive verb: to keep alive or in existence; make lasting

preserve in British English
to keep safe from danger or harm; protect
noun: something that preserves or is preserved