Crossword Genius

Beaten senseless, holding tight (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tense

'tight' is the definition.
('tense' is associated in meaning with 'tight')

'beaten senseless holding' is the wordplay.
'holding' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'TENSE' is hidden in the letters of 'beaten senseless'.

(Other definitions for tense that I've seen before include "present, perhaps?" , "Stressful" , "Stressed" , "Suffering from strain" , "edgy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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