1 [+ obj] a : to keep (someone or something) safe : to stop (someone or something) from dying or being hurt, damaged, or lost
▪ He risked his life to save his friend (from drowning). ▪ The organization is dedicated to saving [=protecting] endangered animals. ▪ We need to save the rain forests (from destruction). ▪ He grabbed her arm to save her from falling. [=to stop/prevent her from falling so that she would not be hurt] ▪ The doctors managed to save the soldier's wounded leg. [=to keep the leg from having to be cut off]
b : to stop (something) from ending or failing : to make (something that is in danger of failing) successful
▪ He is trying to save his marriage by going to counseling for his drug addiction. ▪ The new CEO saved the company (from bankruptcy). ▪ She saved a tense situation by staying calm. 2 : to keep (something) from being lost or wasted [+ obj] ▪ This new plan will help us save time. = The new plan will save us some time. ▪ Thinner computer monitors save space. [no obj] — + on ▪ A more efficient furnace will save on energy. 3 a : to keep money instead of spending it : to put money away especially in a bank so that you will have it in the future [no obj] ▪ She would rather save than spend. ▪ He has been saving (up) for a new car. [+ obj] ▪ Save a little money for later. ▪ She saves part of her pay every week. ▪ I saved $20,000 for a down payment on the house.
b : to spend less money [no obj] ▪ Buy now and save! — often + on ▪ Save on everything in the store! ▪ He saved on [=spent less money for] his car insurance by switching to a different insurance company. [+ obj] ▪ She saved $15 at the grocery store by using coupons. — often + on ▪ We're trying to save money on our electric bill. 4 [+ obj] a : to keep (something) available for use in the future
▪ Be sure to save some cookies for your sister. ▪ You need to save (up) your energy for tomorrow. ▪ He saves his best jacket for special occasions. [=he only wears his best jacket on special occasions] ▪ The runners saved their energy for the last lap. = The runners saved themselves for the last lap.
b : to keep (something) for someone to use or have
▪ She saved a seat for her friend. ▪ Please save the next dance for me. = Please save me the next dance. [=please don't plan to dance the next dance with anyone but me] 5 [+ obj] : to make (something) unnecessary
▪ Check that you have everything before you leave. It will save your having to go back again. ▪ The shortcut saves an hour's driving. 6 [+ obj] : to keep (someone) from doing something
▪ Thanks for sending out that package. It saved me a trip to the post office. ▪ I'll make the appointment for you to save you the trouble/bother. [=so that you don't have to do it yourself] — often + from ▪ You should cut up the vegetables to save you from doing it later when the guests are here. 7 [+ obj] : to collect or keep (something)
▪ She saved all his letters. 8 : to store (data) in a computer or on a storage device (such as a CD) so that it can be used later [+ obj] ▪ You should save your work on/to a disk. ▪ save a file [no obj] ▪ Don't forget to save before you close the file. 9 [+ obj] sports a : to stop (an opponent's shot) from scoring a goal
▪ He saved the penalty kick/shot.
b : to keep (a game) from being lost to an opponent
▪ The relief pitcher saved the game. 10 in Christianity : to protect or free (someone) from sin or evil [+ obj] ▪ He believes that Jesus Christ will save him. [no obj] ▪ Jesus saves.