brainstorm

Meaning

Verb

1. (intransitive) To investigate something, or solve a problem using brainstorming.
2. (intransitive) To participate in a brainstorming session.
3. (transitive) To think up (ideas); especially, to do so creatively.

Noun

1. (US) A sudden thought, particularly one that solves a long-standing problem.
2. A session of brainstorming, investigating a problem to try to find solutions.
3. (British) An unexpected mental error.
4. (alt-of, alternative) Alternative form of brain storm (“activity in the brain, such as a seizure or convulsion”).

Synonyms

brainwave

insight

brain wave

confer

discuss

folly

infusion

inspiration

rack one’s brain

rack one’s brains

scintillation

afflatus

cudgel one’s brains

brainstorming

Translations

Geistesblitz

idea

💡

intuïció

έμπνευση

υστερική κρίση

remue-méninges

se creuser la tête

lampo di genio

idea brillante

estalo

pensar intensamente

usar a cabeça

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈbɹeɪnstɔː(ɹ)m/

Etymology

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.