Attacks with whips? (5,2)

I believe the answer is:

beats up

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This clue might be a double definition.

'attacks' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'whips?' is the second definition.
(whipping is a kind of beating up)

'with' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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