Crossword Genius

Axe thus destroyed drain (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exhaust

'drain' is the definition.
(drain can mean to tire or exhaust)

'axe thus destroyed' is the wordplay.
'destroyed' indicates an anagram.
'axe'+'thus'='axethus'
'axethus' is an anagram of 'EXHAUST'.

(Other definitions for exhaust that I've seen before include "Deplete" , "Drain completely" , "get everything out of" , "Burnt gases are discharged here" , "Pipe to take away car fumes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Independent.
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