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mastermind

American  
[mas-ter-mahynd, mah-ster-] / ˈmæs tərˌmaɪnd, ˈmɑ stər- /

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 British  
/ ˈmɑːstəˌmaɪnd /

verb

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

    he masterminded the robbery
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mastermind

First recorded in 1710–20; master + mind

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Talks about a new contract have been ongoing since March but there is little to suggest the 51-year-old Austrian, who masterminded Eintracht Frankfurt's Europa League triumph in 2021-22, is close to committing his future.

From BBC

And their mini-meltdowns only add to the stresses of parents dashing between school plays, present shopping and masterminding the family feast.

From BBC

The 55-year-old, who has been at the helm since 2023, masterminded victories over Liverpool, Arsenal and Inter Milan to help the French side secure a first Champions League triumph.

From BBC

It was a tactical lesson from Robinson who masterminded the perfect game plan to nullify his old club.

From BBC

The Envelope spoke to the masterminds behind three of this year’s most arresting campaigns to learn the secrets of their craft.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.