Depicts as sinister radiations (8)

I believe the answer is:

portrays

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'depicts' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for portrays that I've seen before include "Represents" , "paints?" , "Shows" , "Depicts" , "Describes in words or makes picture of" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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