brainstorm

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To think up many ideas quickly, often as a group.

   Let's brainstorm some ideas for the new project.

2. 2
   noun

   A sudden good idea, especially one that solves a problem.

   I had a brainstorm and finally saw the answer.

From brain + storm. In the sense of "problem-solve", devised as a method of group creative problem-solving by advertising executive Alex F. Osborn and his employees, who coined the term based on the image of using "the brain to storm a problem". First use appears c. 1945. In the sense of "seizure, convulsion, brain activity", from the unrelated idea that it resembles a storm in the brain. First use appears c. 1861.

Topics