Definition

1. Verb:
   • To provide with new wiring: To replace or install new electrical wiring in a building, device, or system.
   • To reconfigure or alter the connections in a system: Often used metaphorically to describe changing the fundamental connections or pathways in something, such as a brain, a network, or a process.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • We had to rewire the old house because the existing electrical system was unsafe.
  • The technician will rewire the circuit board to fix the malfunction.
  • After the stroke, his brain had to rewire some of its neural pathways to regain speech. (Metaphorical usage)

Advanced Usage

• "to rewire oneself/one's thinking": To consciously change one's habits, thought patterns, or emotional responses.
  • Through meditation, she worked to rewire her brain's response to stress.
• "to rewire a network": To change the physical or logical layout of a computer or communication network.
  • The IT department needs to rewire the office network to improve bandwidth.

Variants and Related Words

• Rewiring (noun): The act or process of installing new wiring.
  • The complete rewiring of the building will take two weeks.
• Rewirable (adjective): Capable of being rewired.
  • The fixture is rewirable, so you can change the cord yourself.

Synonyms

• Refit: To repair or restore, especially by replacing parts.
• Reconfigure: To rearrange the elements or setup of something.
• Overhaul: To examine thoroughly and make necessary repairs or changes.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Rewire" is typically not used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The action is generally expressed directly or with prepositions like "to rewire for" or "to rewire with.") - Wire up: To install wiring in something. (Related concept, though not a direct phrasal form of "rewire") - First, the electrician will wire up the new construction.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms centered solely on the word "rewire." Its metaphorical use often appears in psychological or technological contexts, as shown in the advanced usage examples.)

Verb

1. provide with new wiring
   • the university rewired the dormitories when most students brought computers and television sets