Crossword Genius

Bore the cost of action involving conflict (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

defrayed

'bore the cost of' is the definition.
('defray' means to provide funds)

'action involving conflict' is the wordplay.
'action' becomes 'deed' (deed is a kind of action).
'involving' indicates putting letters inside.
'conflict' becomes 'fray' (fray is a kind of conflict).
'deed' enclosing 'fray' is 'DEFRAYED'.

(Other definitions for defrayed that I've seen before include "Put paid to" , "Paid, settled (a cost)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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