mastermind

[ mas-ter-mahynd, mah-ster- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to plan and direct (a usually complex project or activity), especially skillfully:

   Two colonels had masterminded the revolt.

noun

1. a person who originates or is primarily responsible for the execution of a particular idea, project, or the like:

   the masterminds of company policy.

mastermind

/ ˈmɑːstəˌmaɪnd /

verb

1. tr to plan and direct (a complex undertaking)

   he masterminded the robbery

noun

1. a person of great intelligence or executive talent, esp one who directs an undertaking

Word History and Origins

Origin of mastermind¹

First recorded in 1710–20; master + mind

Example Sentences

Vincent reportedly said that the mastermind behind the plot was a foreigner named “Mike” who spoke Spanish and English.

From The Daily Beast

Actor and producer Vin Diesel, the star and arguably the creative mastermind of the Fast & Furious franchise, is a big Dungeons & Dragons fan.

From Vox

She did not want to be spared simply out of pity for being a wife, nor could she accept that she was the mastermind.

From Time

The mastermind behind Chula Vista’s drone program, retired Capt.

From Voice of San Diego

Anita Egbune and Marian Arafiena are the masterminds behind the new platform that has already attracted five live projects.

From Essence.com

Zubaydah indentified Khalid Sheikh Mohammed as the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks.

From The Daily Beast

Self-described 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was also kept at Cobalt after his March 2003 in Pakistan.

From The Daily Beast

Surely only an advanced hacker could mastermind such a fiendish act — right?

From The Daily Beast

And he was also the secret mastermind behind the biggest bank heists of his day.

From The Daily Beast

But the mastermind of the Hamas kidnapping strategy is al-Arouri, Israeli officials say.

From The Daily Beast

A banquet extraordinary was shortly to take place, and M. Sapin, the mastermind, came to beg of Regali the recipe for his ragout.

From Project Gutenberg

His mastermind comprehended the importance and necessity of combined and harmonious effort.

From Project Gutenberg

This girl was obviously the assistant to the Mastermind who originated the scheme.

From Project Gutenberg

Or, in contact with a mastermind, he may take fire, and the glow of the enthusiasm may be the inspiration of his life.

From Project Gutenberg

He said to Professor Garet, "All right, mastermind, untie me."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• organize