Crossword Genius

Attacked animal was sick (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assailed

'attacked' is the definition.
('assail' can be a synonym of 'attack')

'animal was sick' is the wordplay.
'animal' becomes 'ass' (term for a donkey).
'was sick' becomes 'ailed' (I've seen this before).
'ass'+'ailed'='ASSAILED'

(Other definitions for assailed that I've seen before include "charged" , "Under attack" , "Went for" , "Attacked, lashed out" , "became aggressive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.