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

Rechargeable Lighting Not all lighting has to be hardwired to be stylish. —Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2025

Even those of us who seek freedom and adventure in the wilderness are hardwired to keep themselves safe. —Outside Online, 10 Dec. 2025

But that doesn’t necessarily reveal some hardwired, inevitable midlife crisis that each of us must pass through. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025

Human brains are hardwired for this kind of whimsy. —Calum Lister Matheson, The Conversation, 14 Nov. 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