Charged or confused when police chief absconds (8)
I believe the answer is:
instinct
'charged' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for instinct that I've seen before include "Natural response" , "Natural impulse governing behaviour" , "Flair" , "Inborn impulse or tendency 8)" , "Basic natural drive" .)