secure unit

[sɪˈkjʊr ˈjuːnɪt]
nounpl: secure units
unidade de segurança
1. A locked facility or ward within a hospital, prison, or institution designed to house individuals who are considered dangerous, high-risk, or require maximum security supervision
The patient was transferred to the secure unit after showing signs of violent behavior.
O paciente foi transferido para a unidade de segurança após apresentar sinais de comportamento violento.
2. In British psychiatric contexts, a specialized ward with reinforced security measures for individuals with severe mental health conditions who pose a risk to themselves or others
She spent six months in a secure unit receiving intensive psychiatric treatment.
Ela passou seis meses em uma unidade de segurança recebendo tratamento psiquiátrico intensivo.
3. A high-security juvenile detention facility for young offenders
The teenager was placed in a secure unit pending trial.
O adolescente foi colocado em uma unidade de segurança aguardando julgamento.
The term 'secure unit' is particularly prevalent in British and Commonwealth healthcare systems, especially within the NHS psychiatric system. In the USA, similar facilities are often referred to as 'locked psychiatric units' or 'maximum security wards.' In Brazil, the concept relates to 'internação involuntária' (involuntary hospitalization) regulations and is subject to strict legal oversight under mental health laws.
NYC Slang
the box, the psych ward lock-down, maximum security wing
Synonyms / Sinônimos
locked wardhigh-security unitmaximum security facilitypsychiatric lock-down unitdetention facility
Antonyms / Antônimos
open wardcommunity facilitylow-security unit

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
unidade de segurança
Standard term used in healthcare and criminal justice contexts
São Paulo
ala de segurança máxima
Sometimes used to emphasize maximum security level
Rio de Janeiro
unidade fechada
Common colloquial variant meaning 'closed unit'
Portugal
enfermaria de segurança
More commonly used in Portuguese healthcare system

Related Words

psychiatric hospitaldetention centermaximum security prisonmental health facilityinpatient wardrisk assessmentrestraint protocols

Related Idioms & Phrases

behind closed doors
under lock and key
maximum security measures
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