Crossword Genius

Barrier’s resistance weakening (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

railing

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This could be a double definition.

'barrier's' is the first definition.
(railing is a kind of barrier)

'resistance weakening' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are present participle verbs, I don't understand how they can define each other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for railing that I've seen before include "Complaining - fence" , "Protesting (about); fence" , "Fencing - complaining - attacking" , "border of park?" , "Haranguing -- horizontal bar on supports" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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