The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word VENTILATED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
V
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More clues leading to the result VENTILATED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "catch Covid and possibly end like this" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case catch covid and possibly end like this = ventilated.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does VENTILATED mean?
VENTILATED verb- To replace stale or noxious air with fresh.
- To circulate air through a building, etc.
- To provide with a vent.
- To expose something to the circulation of fresh air.
- To expose something to public examination or discussion.
- To provide manual or mechanical breathing to a patient.
- To shoot with a firearm; to pierce with bullets.