# sinister

/ˈsɪnɪstɝ/ (US) · /sˈɪnɪstɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sinister
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. evil or threatening

adjective · CEFR B2

giving the impression that something evil or harmful is happening or will happen.

For teachers: suggesting or threatening evil, harm, or trouble. Often used to describe an atmosphere, a person's expression, or a mysterious event.

- There was a sinister figure standing in the shadows at the end of the street.
- The abandoned mansion had a sinister atmosphere that discouraged even the most curious teenagers from approaching its gates after dark.

### 2. heraldry / left side

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical · Archaic

relating to the left side of a shield or coat of arms.

For teachers: pertaining to the left side of a heraldic shield from the perspective of the bearer, which appears as the right side to the observer.

- The knight's shield featured a red stripe on the sinister side.
- The genealogist noted a bend sinister on the family crest, a traditional heraldic mark often associated with illegitimate lineage.

Usage: In heraldry, 'sinister' is the opposite of 'dexter'.

### 3. dishonest or corrupt

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

dishonest or sneaky in a way that is hard to see.

For teachers: characterised by deviousness, dishonesty, or underhanded motives. This sense is less about physical threat and more about moral corruption.

- The politician had a sinister plan to win the election by cheating.
- The investigation uncovered a sinister plot to embezzle funds from the charity through a series of complex offshore accounts.

## Examples

- The old house looked sinister in the moonlight.
- A sinister figure was seen lurking in the shadows near the bank's side entrance.
- The film uses low lighting and a deep, pulsing soundtrack to create a sinister atmosphere that keeps the audience in a state of constant anxiety.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.