Rewire: meaning, definitions and examples

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rewire

[ riˈwaɪər ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

electrical systems

To rewire means to replace or alter the wiring in an electrical system or device. This can involve updating old wiring to meet current safety standards or modifying the wiring to accommodate new features or devices.

Synonyms

modify, reconfigure, redesign.

Examples of usage

We need to rewire the house to comply with modern electrical codes.
The old electrical panel was so outdated, we had to rewire the entire system.
After the renovation, they decided to rewire the kitchen for better lighting.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

mental processes

Rewire can also refer to the process of changing or adapting one's thought patterns or habits. This usage often appears in contexts involving psychology or self-improvement.

Synonyms

reform, reshape, retrain.

Examples of usage

Mindfulness practices can help you rewire your brain for positivity.
To overcome anxiety, you must learn to rewire your thought processes.
Therapy can assist individuals in rewiring their mental habits.

Translations

Translations of the word "rewire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reconfigurar

🇮🇳 पुनः तार

🇩🇪 neu verdrahten

🇮🇩 menyambungkan kembali

🇺🇦 перепідключити

🇵🇱 przełączyć na nowo

🇯🇵 再配線する

🇫🇷 reconfigurer

🇪🇸 recablear

🇹🇷 yeniden kablolamak

🇰🇷 재배선하다

🇸🇦 إعادة توصيل

🇨🇿 přeplést

🇸🇰 prepojiť

🇨🇳 重新连接

🇸🇮 preusmeriti

🇮🇸 endurræsa

🇰🇿 қайта қосу

🇬🇪 ახალი კომუნიკაცია

🇦🇿 yenidən qoşmaq

🇲🇽 reconfigurar

Etymology

The term 'rewire' is a compound word formed from the prefix 're-', which means 'again' or 'back', and 'wire', which refers to a thin, flexible strand of metal used to conduct electricity. The use of 'rewire' as a verb became more common with the advances in electrical technology in the late 19th century, coinciding with the expansion of electrical systems in homes and businesses. Originally, it referred strictly to the physical act of replacing or updating wiring, but over time, the term evolved to encompass broader meanings, particularly in psychological and self-help contexts during the late 20th century. The evolution reflects a societal shift towards understanding mental processes as something that can be altered and improved just like physical systems.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,871, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38868 bilk
38869 bellying
38870 scuttlebutt
38871 rewire
38872 rehouse
38873 frangipani
38874 junky
...