Crossword Genius

Absenteesim makes aunt cry terribly (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

truancy

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'absenteesim' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'aunt cry terribly' is the wordplay.
'terribly' indicates anagramming the letters.
'aunt'+'cry'='auntcry'
'auntcry' is an anagram of 'TRUANCY'.

'makes' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for truancy that I've seen before include "Failure to attend school" , "Unauthorised absence from school" , "bunking off" , "Staying away from school" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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