rewire
verb
re·wire
(ˌ)rē-ˈwī(-ə)r 
rewired; rewiring
1
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
Joan DidionNot 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
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
Delia DeRiggi-WhittonCan you rewire yourself? I went back through pivotal points in my life, when one should be happy.—Kim Korson
Kim KorsonExamples of rewire in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s landslide election victory on Sunday could rewire the regional power calculus in Asia as Tokyo takes a more assertive stance toward Beijing, analysts said.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
This is often referred to as neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself in response to learning throughout our lives.
—Akshay Syal, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
Child psychiatrist and Yale School of Medicine professor Yann Poncin previously told USA TODAY that over time, technology exposure rewires the brain to expect instant gratification, depleting the brain’s cognitive patience and threshold for tolerating frustration in the process.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
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Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s landslide election victory on Sunday could rewire the regional power calculus in Asia as Tokyo takes a more assertive stance toward Beijing, analysts said.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
This is often referred to as neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself in response to learning throughout our lives.
—Akshay Syal, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
Child psychiatrist and Yale School of Medicine professor Yann Poncin previously told USA TODAY that over time, technology exposure rewires the brain to expect instant gratification, depleting the brain’s cognitive patience and threshold for tolerating frustration in the process.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rewire
Cite this Entry
“Rewire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rewire. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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