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.

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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

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noun

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

Etymology

Origin of mastermind

First recorded in 1710–20; master + mind

Explanation

A mastermind is a brilliant thinker with original ideas. You might be a chess mastermind or a criminal mastermind: either way, people will not want to oppose you. Inventors, intellectuals, and famous geniuses call all be called masterminds, from Albert Einstein to theoretical physicist Dr. Shirley Jackson. You could also call people who are successful in their fields — especially if they come up with new ways of doing things — masterminds. Even a brilliant jewel thief might be called a safe-cracking mastermind. As a verb, to mastermind is to act as the leader of some complex plan or scheme.

Example Sentences

Over the course of the war, Israel has claimed responsibility for the assassinations of several Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, widely regarded as a mastermind of the October 7 attack.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Jho Low, alleged mastermind of the 1MDB fraud, is seeking a pardon from President Trump to remove U.S. criminal charges.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Halperin’s accusers were gobsmacked to see Kelly, who’d once given them a sympathetic platform on the Today show, turn around and mastermind his comeback.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

Lee, who died in 2015, is often credited as being the mastermind of Singapore's post colonial transformation from a resource-scarce island to one of Asia's most advanced economies.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Uncle Brian made a face like an evil mastermind announcing his plan for world domination.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Related Words

• organize