hardwired

hard·wired

adj \ˈhärd-ˌwī(-ə)rd\

Definition of HARDWIRED

1

: implemented in the form of permanent electronic circuits; also : connected or incorporated by or as if by permanent electrical connections <a hardwired phone> <concepts of attractiveness may be universal and hardwired into the human brain — Jane E. Brody>

2

: genetically or innately determined : inborn <creature whose every action is a reflexive, hardwired response — Natalie Angier>; also : genetically or innately predisposed <a human being who is hardwired to be sociable — Forbes>

Examples of HARDWIRED

1. <a cat with a hardwired compulsion to knock expensive knickknacks off of shelves>

First Known Use of HARDWIRED

1968

Related to HARDWIRED

Synonyms: built-in, constitutional, constitutive, essential, inherent, immanent, inborn, inbred, indigenous, ingrain, ingrained (also engrained), innate, integral, intrinsic, native, natural

Antonyms: adventitious, extraneous, extrinsic

Related Words: basic, deep-rooted, elemental, fundamental; congenital, hereditary, inherited, inmost, inner, interior; internal; characteristic, distinctive, peculiar; habitual, inveterate; normal, regular, typical

Near Antonyms: alien, foreign; accidental, coincidental, incidental; acquired, adscititious; superficial, surface; exterior, external

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with HARDWIRED

inspired, retired