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

The simple act of acknowledging the good in life rewires the brain, reinforcing a positive outlook that can buffer against stress. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

Those stupid vlogs were, in some ways, quite significant, helping rewire the aspirations of an entire culture. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024

Repeated visualization helps to rewire the brain, fostering a self-image aligned with one's aspirations. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Parenting has always been hard, Kennedy said, but the online nature of modern life — with its smartphones, iPads, social media and video games — has rewired people to expect instant rewards without putting in the effort. —Andrea Kane, CNN, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1