hardwired

adjective

hard·​wired ˈhärd-ˌwī(-ə)rd 

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

Synonyms of hardwired

• inherent
• intrinsic
• integral
• essential

Examples of hardwired in a Sentence

a cat with a hardwired compulsion to knock expensive knickknacks off of shelves

Recent Examples on the Web

Fear of the wilderness and its potentially lethal native creatures is hardwired into the human brain and fueled tales of haunted forests and murderous animals throughout history. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

The venue is hardwired for 16+ cameras with a broadcast control room that also supports iPhone video capture. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Within days, the anchor customers—including hospitals, schools, and air-navigation systems—were hardwired to a 100-Gb/s backbone. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026

Scientists have found that humans evolved to rely on each other, and our brains are hardwired to seek out relationships and community, not only for joy and comfort, but for survival. — Juliet Linderman, Fortune, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hardwired

• acquired
• admired
• backfired
• conspired
• desired
• enquired
• inquired
• inspired
• rehired
• required
• respired
• transpired

Kids Definition

hardwired

adjective

hard·​wired -ˌwī(ə)rd 

: having or done using or as if using permanent electronic circuits or connections

a hardwired phone

a parent hardwired to defend their child