The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SCOURGE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
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More clues leading to the result SCOURGE
- Cause suffering to company during sudden upturn
- Small firm with drive is a great menace
- Problem with electricity supply has firm in torment
- Son with firm impulse: an affliction
- Flog business during sudden upswing
- Cause of destruction in Colombia during short-lived disturbance
- Curse when senior officer’s overcome by sudden rush
- Initially such bravery shown, after dropping a whip
- Succeeded with valour to banish a destructive force
- Small bottle gets rid of a torment
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Cause suffering" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cause suffering = scourge.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 SCOURGE mean?
SCOURGE noun- A source of persistent trouble such as pestilence that causes pain and suffering or widespread destruction.
- A means to inflict such pain or destruction.
- A whip, often of leather.
- To strike with a scourge; to flog.