locked ward

[/lɒkt wɔːrd/]
nounpl: locked wards
enfermaria fechada
1. A hospital or psychiatric unit where doors are locked to prevent patients from leaving without permission, typically used for patients who may be a danger to themselves or others
He was admitted to the locked ward after threatening to harm himself.
Ele foi internado na enfermaria fechada após ameaçar se prejudicar.
2. A secure psychiatric facility used for involuntary hospitalization or detention of patients with severe mental health conditions
The patient spent three months in the locked ward receiving treatment.
O paciente passou três meses na enfermaria fechada recebendo tratamento.
In Brazil and Portugal, locked wards (enfermarias fechadas) are regulated psychiatric facilities used for patients in acute mental health crises or those deemed a danger to themselves or society. They are subject to strict legal and ethical guidelines regarding involuntary commitment. In the US, similar facilities are called psychiatric wards or psych wards, and admission is heavily regulated by law and medical necessity. The term carries significant social stigma in all Anglophone and Lusophone countries.
NYC Slang
psych ward (informal), the unit (slang among healthcare workers)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
secure wardpsychiatric wardmental health unitclosed wardpsychiatric facility
Antonyms / Antônimos
open wardunlocked wardgeneral ward

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
enfermaria fechada
Standard term used in Brazilian healthcare system
Rio de Janeiro
enfermaria de segurança
Alternative terminology emphasizing security aspect
São Paulo
ala fechada
More informal regional variant
Portugal
enfermaria fechada/vedada
Portuguese equivalent, same meaning as Brazilian usage

Related Words

psychiatric hospitalmental institutioninvoluntary commitmentpatient restraintsecure facility

Related Idioms & Phrases

behind locked doors
sectioned (British English - involuntarily admitted to locked ward)
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