Crossword Genius

Abandoned taking action about disturbed rest (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deserted

'abandoned' is the definition.
('desert' can be a synonym of 'abandon')

'action about disturbed rest' is the wordplay.
'action' becomes 'deed' (deed is a kind of action).
'about' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'disturbed' indicates an anagram.
'rest' with letters rearranged gives 'sert'.
'deed' enclosing 'sert' is 'DESERTED'.

'taking' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for deserted that I've seen before include "Left the armed forces without permission" , "Abandoned or defected" , "uncultivated" , "Abandoned, forsook" , "Ran away from army" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app