brainstorm
UK[ˈbreɪn.stɔːm]US[ˈbreɪn.stɔːrm]
v
to try to solve a problem or come up with new ideas by having a discussion in which all members of a group think quickly and suggest as many ideas as possible.
n
a sudden good idea, or a group activity where people suggest a lot of new ideas quickly.
Morpheme Breakdown
brain
storm
brain
mind
storm
violent disturbance
Etymology
the word 'brainstorm' is a modern english compound, formed by combining two old english roots. the literal image is of a 'storm in the brain,' a metaphor for a sudden, turbulent, and intense flurry of mental activity. originally used in the late 19th century to describe a sudden, severe mental disturbance, its meaning shifted in the mid-20th century to the more positive and collaborative sense of a rapid, creative idea-generation session. this evolution reflects a change from viewing the 'storm' as chaotic and pathological to seeing it as a dynamic and productive intellectual process.
Analysis
Structure: brain (mind) + storm (violent disturbance)
brain (from old english 'brægen', meaning the organ of thought, here representing the mind or intellect). storm (from old english 'storm', meaning a violent disturbance of the atmosphere, here representing a sudden, intense, or turbulent outpouring).
Examples
let's brainstorm some ideas for the new advertising campaign.
the team had a productive brainstorming session this afternoon.
i had a sudden brainstorm while in the shower.