Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person who uses scientific and mathematical knowledge to design, build, or maintain engines, machines, structures, or systems: An "engineer" is a professional who applies principles of science and mathematics to develop solutions for technical problems.
   • The operator or driver of a railway locomotive: In transportation, an "engineer" is the person who drives a train.

2. Verb:

   • To plan, design, or build something using scientific and technical skill: To "engineer" something means to skillfully design or construct it.
   • To skillfully arrange or plan an event or situation, often secretly or cleverly: To "engineer" can also mean to cleverly orchestrate or bring about a complex plan or outcome.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The civil engineer designed the new bridge to withstand strong winds.
  • The train engineer brought the locomotive to a smooth stop at the station.

• Verb:

  • They will engineer a more efficient cooling system for the computer.
  • He managed to engineer a meeting between the two rival CEOs.

Advanced Usage

• "To engineer a solution": To devise a clever or technical answer to a difficult problem.

  • The team had to engineer a solution to the software bug before the product launch.

• "Reverse engineer": To analyze a finished product or system to understand its design and how it was made.

  • The company tried to reverse engineer the competitor's device.

Variants and Related Words

• Engineering (n): The field or activity of applying science and mathematics to design and build structures, machines, or systems.

  • She studied mechanical engineering in college.

• Engine (n): A machine with moving parts that converts power into motion. (Note: This is a related but distinct word.)

  • The car's engine was very powerful.

Synonyms

• Noun: Designer, planner, architect (in a technical sense), operator (for train).
• Verb: Devise, orchestrate, mastermind, contrive.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Engineer out: To design or plan to remove a problem or defect.
  • The goal is to engineer out any potential safety risks.

Related Idioms

• "A social engineer": Someone who attempts to manipulate or influence social structures and human behavior on a large scale.

  • The politician was accused of being a social engineer.

• "To engineer one's own downfall": To cleverly plan or act in a way that ultimately causes one's own failure.

  • By lying to his partners, he engineered his own downfall.

Noun

1. the operator of a railway locomotive
2. a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems

Verb

1. plan and direct (a complex undertaking)
   • he masterminded the robbery
2. design as an engineer
   • He engineered the water supply project