Crossword Genius

Afraid, female, over reprimand (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fearful

'afraid' is the definition.
('fearful' can be similar in meaning to 'afraid')

'female over reprimand' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'over' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'reprimand' becomes 'earful' (earful is a kind of reprimand).
'f'+'earful'='FEARFUL'

(Other definitions for fearful that I've seen before include "Apprehensive, worried" , "Timid" , "Timorous; terrible" , "Scared" , "Afraid; very great" .)

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