Crossword Genius

Calms down a beast, somehow (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abates

'calms down' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'a beast somehow' is the wordplay.
'somehow' indicates anagramming the letters.
'beast' anagrammed gives 'bates'.
'a'+'bates'='ABATES'

(Other definitions for abates that I've seen before include "Becomes less severe or strong" , "moderates" , "Slacks off" , "Becomes less strong like storm" , "Goes down like storm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app