The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word WOUNDED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
O
U
N
D
E
D
Buddy explains!
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 WOUNDED mean?
WOUNDED verb- To hurt or injure (someone) by cutting, piercing, or tearing the skin.
- To hurt (a person's feelings).
- Suffering from a wound, especially one acquired in battle from a weapon, such as a gun or a knife.
- Suffering from an emotional injury.
- Of a particle: having undergone an inelastic collision.