sinister

[ˈsɪn.ɪ.stər]

sinister Definition

  • 1giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen
  • 2threatening or portending evil, harm, or trouble; ominous

Using sinister: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sinister" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The sky turned a sinister shade of gray before the storm hit.

  • Example

    There was something sinister about the old abandoned house.

  • Example

    He had a sinister look in his eyes that made me uneasy.

  • Example

    The villain's sinister plan was finally revealed.

sinister Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using sinister

  • an evil or malevolent influence

    Example

    Many people believe that the sinister hand of the government is behind the recent protests.

  • a reputation for being evil or dangerous

    Example

    The town had a sinister reputation due to the high crime rate.

  • an unexpected and unpleasant turn of events

    Example

    The movie had a sinister twist at the end that left the audience shocked.

Phrases with sinister

  • a smile that looks evil or malicious

    Example

    He gave her a sinister smile and she knew something bad was about to happen.

  • a laugh that sounds evil or malicious

    Example

    The villain let out a sinister laugh as he revealed his evil plan.

  • a secret plan to do something harmful or evil

    Example

    The detective uncovered the sinister plot to rob the bank.

Origins of sinister

from Latin 'sinister', meaning 'left, on the left side'

📌

Summary: sinister in Brief

The term 'sinister' [ˈsɪn.ɪ.stər] refers to something that gives the impression of being harmful or evil, often with a threatening or ominous quality. It can describe anything from a person's appearance to a situation or event, as in 'There was something sinister about the old abandoned house.' The phrase 'sinister hand' denotes an evil or malevolent influence, while 'a sinister reputation' refers to a place or person with a reputation for being dangerous or evil.

How do native speakers use this expression?