sinister
adj.-
1 evil or threatening (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediategiving the impression that something evil or harmful is happening or will happen.
suggesting or threatening evil, harm, or trouble. Often used to describe an atmosphere, a person's expression, or a mysterious event.
ExampleThere was a sinister figure standing in the shadows at the end of the street.
ExampleThe abandoned mansion had a sinister atmosphere that discouraged even the most curious teenagers from approaching its gates after dark.
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2 heraldry / left side (adj.) C2 Proficiency Technical Archaicrelating to the left side of a shield or coat of arms.
pertaining to the left side of a heraldic shield from the perspective of the bearer, which appears as the right side to the observer.
ExampleThe knight's shield featured a red stripe on the sinister side.
ExampleThe genealogist noted a bend sinister on the family crest, a traditional heraldic mark often associated with illegitimate lineage.
UsageIn heraldry, 'sinister' is the opposite of 'dexter'.
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3 dishonest or corrupt (adj.) C1 Advanced Literary Formaldishonest or sneaky in a way that is hard to see.
characterised by deviousness, dishonesty, or underhanded motives. This sense is less about physical threat and more about moral corruption.
ExampleThe politician had a sinister plan to win the election by cheating.
ExampleThe investigation uncovered a sinister plot to embezzle funds from the charity through a series of complex offshore accounts.
From Middle English sinistre (“unlucky”), from Old French senestre, sinistre (“left”), from Latin sinister (“left hand”).