Cryptic crossword clue
Seized area captured by whirling Dervish 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RAVISHED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Seized" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case seized = ravished.
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 RAVISHED mean?

RAVISHED verb
  1. To seize and carry away by violence; to snatch by force.
  2. (usually passive) To transport with joy or delight; to delight to ecstasy.
  3. To rape.
RAVISHED adjective
  1. Delighted; ecstatic
  2. Having the appearance of having been ravished.

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