Crossword Genius

Attacks the insects surrounding the animal (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

berates

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'attacks' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'insects surrounding the animal' is the wordplay.
'insects' becomes 'bees' (bee is a kind of insect).
'surrounding' is an insertion indicator.
'the animal' becomes 'rat' (rat is a kind of animal).
'bees' enclosing 'rat' is 'BERATES'.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for berates that I've seen before include "is a scold" , "Scolds" , "Upbraids" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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