rewire

verb

re·​wire (ˌ)rē-ˈwī(-ə)r 

rewired; rewiring

transitive verb

1

: to provide or connect (something) with wire again

especially : to replace the electrical wiring of (something, such as a building or electronic device)

rewired the house

rewire a circuit board

2

: to make lasting and usually beneficial changes to the neurological or psychological functioning of (a person or brain)

—not used technically

The injured brain, moreover, can rewire itself.

—Joan Didion

Not only do studies show that meditation is boosting their immune system, but brain scans suggest that it may be rewiring their brains to reduce stress.

—Joel Stein

… nearly nine out of 10 adult smokers started smoking by age 18; nicotine can rewire youths' brains, making heroin and other opioids even more addictive.

—Delia DeRiggi-Whitton

Can you rewire yourself? I went back through pivotal points in my life, when one should be happy.

—Kim Korson

Examples of rewire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Can the same approach work to rewire the brains of teenagers who have grown up with tech and ultraprocessed foods? —Alicia Garceau, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026

Dorsey has predicted that many other companies will come to similar conclusions and rewire their organizations around AI. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026

After trauma, the brain needs experiences of delight and safety to rewire the residues of fear. —Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026

The Austrian, who finished second at the Yanqing World Cup in China in 2024, has trained as a neuromental coach, focusing on rewiring thought patterns and mindset. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rewire

• briar
• brier
• buyer
• choir
• crier
• cryer
• drier
• dryer
• eyer
• flier
• flyer
• friar