Crossword Genius

British in Australia finally denounce exploitation (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abuse

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'exploitation' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'british in australia finally denounce' is the wordplay.
'british' becomes 'b' (abbreviation e.g. in 'BBC').
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'australia' becomes 'Aus' (abbreviation).
'finally' indicates one should take the final letters.
The final letter of 'denounce' is 'e'.
'b' inserted within 'aus' is 'abus'.
'abus'+'e'='ABUSE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abuse that I've seen before include "Mistreat" , "corrupt practice" , "Violate" , "Improper treatment" , "Bully" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times, The Sun and The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.