Are spectators concealing esteem? (7)
I believe the answer is:
respect
'esteem?' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'are spectators concealing' is the wordplay.
'concealing' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'RESPECT' is hidden within 'are spectators'.
(Other definitions for respect that I've seen before include "relation" , "Particular, esteem" , "Treat with consideration" , "Treat with care, deference" , "to abide by" .)