1. An action or procedure taken in advance to prevent something unwanted from happening
Regular exercise is a preventive measure against heart disease.
O exercício regular é uma medida preventiva contra doenças cardíacas.
2. A precautionary step taken to avoid problems, accidents, or negative outcomes
The company implemented preventive measures to reduce workplace injuries.
A empresa implementou medidas preventivas para reduzir acidentes no local de trabalho.