sinister

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Origin of sinister

1375–1425; late Middle English <Latin: on the left hand or side, hence unfavorable, injurious

OTHER WORDS FROM sinister

sin·is·ter·ly, adverbsin·is·ter·ness, nounun·sin·is·ter, adjectiveun·sin·is·ter·ly, adverb

un·sin·is·ter·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use sinister in a sentence

However, from the moment Clare catches Irene’s eye across the grandly decorated room, something sinister begins brewing between the two women.
Colorism Is Just The Tip Of The Iceberg In ‘Passing’|Brande Victorian|February 1, 2021|Essence.com
Lyra uncovers a sinister plot that sends her on a journey to find her father in hopes of foiling said plot.
Review: Heartbreaking His Dark Materials S2 finale sets the stage for war|Jennifer Ouellette|January 12, 2021|Ars Technica
There was a sinister orange aura rising above the ridgelines and a baking wind blowing down the banks of the McKenzie.
Remembering My Friend Barry Lopez|Bob Shacochis|January 5, 2021|Outside Online
Zombies don’t have to be bat-bitten, red-eyed raveners, sinister and recomposed.
The thoughtless husks who plunged this NFL season into chaos deserve a public shaming|Sally Jenkins|December 2, 2020|Washington Post

They often have a sinister gray or red color, with warts and scales reminiscent of the toxic fungi in fairy-tale illustrations.
Mushroom Hunting at the End of the World|Danny Palumbo|November 12, 2020|Eater
They were, however, assured that he lingered in the city and was sinisterly alive.
The Adventures of Kathlyn|Harold MacGrath
When he spoke—which was often—his speech slid sinisterly out of the extreme left corner of his mouth.
Cheerful--By Request|Edna Ferber
Of all these, Smith is, to the nation now, of most importance—and sinisterly so.
Under the Prophet in Utah|Frank J. Cannon and Harvey J. O'Higgins
He ascends a horse somewhat sinisterly, though not on the left side, and they both go jogging in grief together.
Microcosmography|John Earle
When Macbeth announces, “Duncan comes here to-night,” she asks sinisterly, “And when goes hence?”
Sleep Walking and Moon Walking|Isidor Isaak Sadger

British Dictionary definitions for sinister

sinister

/ (ˈsɪnɪstə) /

adjective

threatening or suggesting evil or harm; ominousa sinister glance

evil or treacherous, esp in a mysterious way

(usually postpositive) heraldry of, on, or starting from the left side from the bearer's point of view and therefore on the spectator's right

archaic located on the left side

archaic (of signs, omens, etc) unfavourable

Compare dexter 1

Derived forms of sinister

sinisterly, adverbsinisterness, noun

Word Origin for sinister

C15: from Latin sinister on the left-hand side, considered by Roman augurs to be the unlucky one

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for sinister

sinister

[ sĭn′ĭ-stər ]

adj.

Presaging trouble; ominous.

On the left side; left.

sinister

OTHER WORDS FOR sinister

OPPOSITES FOR sinister

Origin of sinister

OTHER WORDS FROM sinister

Words related to sinister

How to use sinister in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for sinister

Derived forms of sinister

Word Origin for sinister

Medical definitions for sinister