Crossword Genius

My usual heartless chaotic refuge (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

asylum

'refuge' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'my usual heartless chaotic' is the wordplay.
'heartless' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'chaotic' indicates an anagram.
'usual' with its middle removed is 'usal'.
'my'+'usal'='myusal'
'myusal' with letters rearranged gives 'ASYLUM'.

(Other definitions for asylum that I've seen before include "Institution for care of the insane" , "'Refuge, sanctuary (6)'" , "Safe place of refuge" , "Madhouse" , "Place of safety or protection" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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