mastermind

3 definitions • 4 examples

to plan a difficult activity, often a crime, in detail and make certain that it happens successfully:

He's believed to have masterminded the attacks.

someone who plans a difficult activity, often a crime, in detail and makes certain that it happens successfully:

He needs to prevent a criminal mastermind from stealing the world's greatest treasures.

He's the mastermind behind two of TV's biggest hits.

to plan and direct a difficult activity:

Oliver masterminded the takeover of his top business competitor.