Cryptic crossword clue
Cringes as criminal is showing affection 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CARESSING

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The straight part
We know that "showing affection" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case showing affection = caressing.
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 CARESSING mean?

CARESSING verb
  1. To touch or kiss lovingly; to fondle.
  2. To affect as if with a caress.
CARESSING noun
  1. A caress.

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