masterminds
|mas-ter-minds|
🇺🇸
/ˈmæstərmaɪnd/
🇬🇧
/ˈmɑːstə(r)maɪnd/
(mastermind)
chief planner
Etymology
'mastermind' originates from English, specifically a compound of 'master' and 'mind', where 'master' ultimately comes from Latin 'magister' through Old French 'maistre' meaning 'teacher/chief', and 'mind' comes from Old English 'gemynd' meaning 'memory' or 'thought'.
'mastermind' developed as a compound in modern English in the late 19th century (recorded uses from the 1800s) combining 'master' + 'mind' and became used to describe an especially able planner; it later gained senses referring specifically to the organizer of secret or criminal schemes.
Initially, the word emphasized exceptional intelligence or skill (an especially clever or brilliant person); over time it came to emphasize the role of planning and directing complex (often secret or illicit) operations and schemes.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person or group who plans and directs a complex project or operation, especially a secret or illicit scheme.
The masterminds behind the fraud were finally arrested after a long investigation.
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Noun 2
a person of exceptional intelligence or skill who devises plans, strategies, or inventions.
The masterminds on the research team created a breakthrough prototype.
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Verb 1
to plan and direct (a complex or secret operation); to be the person who originates and organizes something.
She masterminds multiple fundraising campaigns for the charity each year.
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Last updated: 2025/09/27 00:41