supermax

noun

su·​per·​max ˈsü-pər-ˌmaks 

variants or less commonly Supermax

plural supermaxes also Supermaxes

1

: a correctional facility or a unit within a correctional facility that has the highest level of security and is where the most dangerous inmates are incarcerated

It appears that the purest intent of supermaxes around the country is to isolate inmates who … are dangerous or chronically violent, have escaped or attempted to escape from a high-security correctional facility, or have incited or attempted to incite disruption in a correctional facility.

—Chase Riveland

—often used before another noun

a supermax prison/facility/inmate

2

: a contract of compensation for an eligible player in the National Basketball Association or the Women's National Basketball Association at the highest percentage of the salary cap allowed by the league

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the supermax is creating team-building problems that could cause some franchises to crumble in the years to come.

—Kevin O'Connor

While the WNBA supermax had leapt to heights never before seen at the women's basketball level, it still pales in comparison to the value of the NBA supermax.

—David Suggs

—often used before another noun

a supermax contract/extension/deal

Word History

Etymology

short for super-maximum, from super- + maximum, adjective

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined at sense 1