Chopper returning empty lost esteem (5)
I believe the answer is:
exalt
'esteem' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'chopper returning empty lost' is the wordplay.
'chopper' becomes 'axe' (something which chops).
'returning' is a reversal indicator.
'empty' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'lost' with its centre removed is 'lt'.
'axe' written backwards gives 'exa'.
'exa'+'lt'='EXALT'
(Other definitions for exalt that I've seen before include "Praise - latex (anag)" , "Extol" , "Praise, glorify, or honour" , "Promote" , "Honour - raise up" .)