Cryptic crossword clue
Encourage moderate Tory about heroin 4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word WHET

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
W
H
E
T

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The straight part
We know that "Encourage" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case encourage = whet.
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 WHET mean?

WHET noun
  1. The act of whetting something.
  2. That which whets or sharpens; especially, an appetizer.
WHET verb
  1. To hone or rub on with some substance, as a piece of stone, for the purpose of sharpening – see whetstone.
  2. To stimulate or make more keen.
  3. To preen.

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