Bear brings death to Yorkshire river (6)
I believe the answer is:
endure
'bear' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'death to yorkshire river' is the wordplay.
'death' becomes 'end' (synonyms).
'to yorkshire river' becomes 'ure' (river in Yorkshire).
'end'+'ure'='ENDURE'
'brings' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for endure that I've seen before include "Undergo hardship patiently" , "Remain in existence; suffer" , "Abide" , "Last or tolerate" , "brook" .)