Crossword Genius

A boy had been slow (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abate

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'a boy had been slow' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'a boy had' is the wordplay.
'a boy' becomes 'ab'.
'had' becomes 'ate' (e.g. I had an ice cream).
'ab'+'ate'='ABATE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abate that I've seen before include "Decline" , "(Flood) recede" , "Become less strong like storm" , "retreat" , "Lessen in intensity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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