maximum-security

American  

[mak-suh-muhm-si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈmæk sə məm sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

adjective

1. designed for or housing prisoners regarded as being very dangerous to society.

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Etymology

Origin of maximum-security

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The White House, for example, is seeking $152 million from Congress to turn Alcatraz back into a maximum-security prison, an idea the president has talked about for several years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Bureau of Prisons records show he is housed at a maximum-security federal prison in Florence, Colo., know as the “Alcatraz of The Rockies,” that also houses the “El Chapo” and other high-profile criminals.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

On Monday, Weiss was accused by a CBS News staff member of pulling a planned segment on an El Salvador maximum-security prison where the Trump administration sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

Mr Kast's party lacks a majority in Congress, meaning some of his proposals, from tougher sentencing to maximum-security prisons, may require compromise and negotiation.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2025

In fact, he knew that his very presence in a maximum-security prison likely proved his guilt in the minds of all who worked at the facility.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers