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Definition of hardwire

hardwire

/ˈhɑːrdˌwaɪ.ər/
hard · wire
Adjective:hardwired
•
Past Simple:hardwired
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Past Participle:hardwired
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Present Participle:hardwiring
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hardwire Lexical Profile

hardwire Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a behavior, trait, or function an intrinsic, automatic, and permanent part of a person's mind or a system's design (usually used in the passive voice).

Example

"Human beings are biologically hardwired to seek out social connection and community."

2

To connect electrical or electronic components directly using permanent physical wiring rather than plugs, wireless signals, or software.

Example

"The electrician had to hardwire the smoke detectors directly into the building's main power supply."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hardwire

• Nearby Words

hardship
hardtop
hardware
hardwire
hardwired
hardwiring
hardwood

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century as a back-formation from the adjective 'hard-wired,' which originally described electronic circuits connected by permanent physical wiring rather than modifiable software.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hardwire. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hardwire
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