diff --git a/inflate.c b/inflate.c
index b0757a9b2..94ecff015 100644
--- a/inflate.c
+++ b/inflate.c
@@ -1387,7 +1387,7 @@ int ZEXPORT inflateSync(z_streamp strm) {
     /* if first time, start search in bit buffer */
     if (state->mode != SYNC) {
         state->mode = SYNC;
-        state->hold <<= state->bits & 7;
+        state->hold >>= state->bits & 7;
         state->bits -= state->bits & 7;
         len = 0;
         while (state->bits >= 8) {