reserve

(rĭ-zûrvˈ)

1. To keep back, as for future use or for a special purpose.
2. To set or cause to be set apart for a particular person or use. See Synonyms at book.
3. To keep or secure for oneself; retain: I reserve the right to disagree. See Synonyms at keep.

1. Something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose.
2. The act of reserving.
3. The keeping of one's feelings, thoughts, or affairs to oneself.
4. Self-restraint in expression; reticence: “One feels it everywhere, a quality of reserve, something held back” (Rollene W. Saal).
5. Lack of enthusiasm; skeptical caution.
6. An amount of capital held back from investment in order to meet probable or possible demands.
7. A reservation of public land: a forest reserve.
8. 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.
9. a. A fighting force kept uncommitted until strategic need arises. Often used in the plural.
   b. The part of a country's armed forces not on active duty but subject to call in an emergency.

Related Forms:

• re·servˈa·ble adjective

• re·servˈer noun