rewire

verb

re·​wire (ˌ)rē-ˈwī(-ə)r How to pronounce rewire (audio)
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 DeRiggiWhitton
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Neuroscience shows that social approval actually rewires our brains. — Dale Whelehan, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 The energy transition is about rewiring the entire global economy. — Daniel Yergin, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 Construction on the $2.2 billion effort to widen and rewire roughly 16 miles of highway in southeast Tarrant County will continue to bedevil Metroplex commuters until early 2028, according to the latest updates from the Texas Department of Transportation. — Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025 Imagine rewiring your belief in yourself even on a small stage, but in front of millions. — Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rewire

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rewire was in 1881

Rhymes for rewire

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Browse Nearby Words

rewire
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Cite this Entry

“Rewire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rewire. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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