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

• 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

Diamandis told me that our hardwired inclinations toward selfishness did trouble him sometimes, in the middle of the night. —Tad Friend, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025

Another option is to have your power source hardwired. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025

Shop Now For busy spots (like back doors and side passages), a hardwired camera can save you a lot of charging. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025

Landlords are required to install smoke detectors, and new buildings have stricter requirements like hardwired detectors and sprinkler systems. —David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 7 July 2025

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