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tr.v. re·served, re·serv·ing, re·serves 1. To keep back, as for future use or for a special purpose: The hospital reserves certain drugs for the most serious cases. 2. To set or cause to be set apart for a particular person or use: reserved a seat on the next flight out. See Synonyms at book1. n. 1. a. Something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose: a runner with a reserve of energy for the final lap. b. An amount of capital that is not invested or otherwise used in order to meet probable demands, such as withdrawals by bank depositors or claims on insurance policies. 2. a. Lack of enthusiasm, as from a misgiving or doubt: supported the idea without reserve. b. Self-restraint in expression or bearing; reticence or coolness: maintained a dignified reserve throughout the ceremony. 3. A reservation of public land: a forest reserve. 4. An amount of a mineral, fossil fuel, or other resource known to exist in a particular location and to be exploitable: the discovery of large oil reserves. 5. a. A fighting force kept uncommitted until strategic need arises. b. The part of a country's armed forces not on active duty but subject to call in an emergency. c. A member of either of these forces: the army's active reserves. 6. Sports a. A group of players that play only as substitutes for starters in games or are kept from playing for some reason. b. One of these players. adj. Idiom: Held in or forming a reserve: a reserve supply of food. in reserve Kept back, set aside, or saved. [Middle English reserven, from Old French reserver, from Latin reservāre, to keep back : re-, re- + servāre, to keep; see ser-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] re·serva·ble adj. re·server n. |
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