hard-wired
Meaning
(of a pattern of behaviour or thinking) existing from birth and not able to be changed
(of a piece of equipment or computer system) built or connected in a permanent way, especially so that it cannot be easily changed
Structure
Usage
some fears, like the fear of loud noises, appear to be hard-wired in human infants.
the early computer systems were hard-wired to perform specific tasks.
his competitive nature seems hard-wired into his personality.
Etymology
the term 'hard-wired' originates from mid-20th century electrical engineering and computing. it literally describes electrical components or circuits that are permanently connected by physical wires, in contrast to being programmatically changeable. the metaphorical extension to innate biological or psychological traits leverages the core idea of a fixed, unalterable physical connection. thus, the journey is from describing tangible, manufactured permanence to abstract, inherent characteristics.
Analysis
'hard' is from old english 'heard', meaning solid, firm, or severe. 'wire' is from old english 'wīr', meaning metal drawn out into a thread. the suffix '-ed' is from old english '-ed', '-od', '-ad', used to form adjectives from nouns or verbs.