Because of the animal, don't (7)
I believe the answer is:
forbear
'don't' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'because of the animal' is the wordplay.
'because of' becomes 'for' (I've seen this in other clues).
'the animal' becomes 'bear' (bear is a kind of animal).
'for'+'bear'='FORBEAR'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for forbear that I've seen before include "Refrain from doing something" , "Abstain" , "Hold back" , "Be patient" .)