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

There is a short window of time to act before the harm is hardwired into a generation of children. —Dana Suskind, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Our defence, intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Our defense, intelligence, and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades. —Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2026

That battery can also be used as a power bank, to charge a hardwired device such as a smartphone. —Ben Coxworth april 14, New Atlas, 14 Apr. 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