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 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

Even small wins — done consistently — can rewire your brain for success. 6. —Stephen Nalley, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025

Melanoma cells that were the most efficient at metastasis rewired their metabolism, the scientists found. —Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025

Better yet, turn situations into gamification scenarios to rewire your mindset from control to curiosity when dealing with stressors. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The drop seemed tied to rising concerns about the uncertain impact of tariffs and Trump's efforts to rewire global trade. —Howard Schneider, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025

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