mastermind
UK: ˈmɑːstəmaɪnd | US: ˈmæstərmaɪnd
n. a person who plans and directs a complex project or scheme, especially a criminal one
vt. to plan and direct (a complex project or scheme)
The word "mastermind" combines "master" (from Old English mægester, meaning "one in control" or "expert") and "mind" (from Old English gemynd, meaning "intellect" or "thought"). Originally, "master" referred to someone with authority or skill, while "mind" denoted cognitive ability. By the 18th century, the compound "mastermind" emerged to describe a brilliant strategist or planner, often with a connotation of cunning (e.g., criminal mastermind). The term reflects the idea of an intellect (mind) capable of mastering complex schemes.
The police are still searching for the mastermind behind the bank heist.
She masterminded the company’s successful rebranding campaign.
The documentary revealed how a single mastermind orchestrated the cyberattack.
He was praised as the creative mastermind of the innovative project.
Without a mastermind, the plan would have fallen apart.