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

• built-in
• constitutional
• constitutive
• essential
• immanent
• inborn
• inbred
• indigenous
• ingrain
• ingrained
• engrained
• inherent
• innate
• integral
• intrinsic
• native
• natural

Examples of hardwired in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Under-Cabinet Lighting Get the high-end appearance of hardwired under-cabinet lighting without the price tag. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2024

But whatever may have triggered her, a vision as distinct, strong, and enduring as hers must be hardwired. —Sarah Lehrer-Graiwer, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024

Complex cognition itself is not hardwired into our brains but rather the capacity for complex cognition. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2024

Books were individually wrapped in sandwich bags on their shelves; the doors were metallic; a hardwired DSL modem was installed in a Faraday cage in the foyer, away from the living space. —Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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