supermax security

[ˈsuːpərˌmæks sɪˈkjʊrɪti]
nounpl: supermax securities
segurança de supermaximum / segurança supermax
1. The highest level of security classification for prisons, featuring isolated cells, restricted movement, and constant surveillance of the most dangerous or high-risk inmates
The convicted terrorist was placed in supermax security at the federal penitentiary.
O terrorista condenado foi colocado em segurança supermax na penitenciária federal.
2. A facility or unit within a prison designed to house inmates considered extremely dangerous or requiring extreme isolation
Supermax security facilities have 23-hour lockdown periods for inmates.
As instalações de segurança supermax têm períodos de bloqueio de 23 horas para os detentos.
Supermax security is a distinctly American penal concept, most famously represented by the ADX Florence supermaximum-security federal penitentiary in Colorado. In Brazil, while similar high-security facilities exist, they are typically referred to differently within the penal system (such as 'presídios de máxima segurança' or 'unidades de isolamento'). The term 'supermax' has entered Brazilian Portuguese through media and crime reporting but is less standardized than in American English usage.
NYC Slang
the box, the hole, ADX, the pen
Synonyms / Sinônimos
maximum securitysupermaximum securityADX (Administrative Maximum)high-security detentionintensive confinement
Antonyms / Antônimos
minimum securityopen custodylow-security facilitycommunity confinement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
segurança supermax / segurança de máxima segurança
Used in criminological and penal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
presídio de máxima segurança
Often used in news reporting about crime and prison systems
São Paulo
segurança supermaximum
Used in formal penal system documentation
Portugal
segurança máxima intensiva / isolamento reforçado
Different penal system terminology; less commonly uses the English term

Related Words

solitary confinementlockdownprison classificationinmatefederal penitentiaryincarcerationsecurity levelsegregation

Related Idioms & Phrases

locked down 24/7
solitary confinement
behind bars
doing hard time
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