Meaning:

defend; protect; keep; preserve

Origin:

甲骨文的“保”字是一个大人手里抱着襁褓里的婴儿的形状。本义是“养育”、“抚养”，引申为“保护”、“保佑”等意思。

On oracle bone inscriptions, “保” looks like an adult holding a baby. Its original meaning is to raise, which then extended to protecting and blessing.

Words:

   保留 (bǎoliú): to continue to have; retain

   保健 (bǎojiàn): healthcare; health protection

   保护 (bǎohù): to protect; safeguard

   保存 (bǎocún): to conserve; keep; preserve

   保持 (bǎochí): to maintain

Examples:

1. 我们每天都应该保持好的心情。

    Wǒmen měitiān dōu yīnggāi bǎochí hǎo de xīnqíng

    We should stay in a good mood every day.

2. 我走了，谁来保护你呢？

    Wǒ zǒu le, shuí lái bǎohù nǐ ne

    Who will protect you if I leave?