Close wound, perhaps, but anaesthetise while demonstrating. (3)
I believe the answer is:
sew
'close' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'wound perhaps but anaesthetise while demonstrating' is the wordplay.
'SEW' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sew that I've seen before include "Tack" , "Fasten with stitches" , "Do some needlework" , "Stitch with needle and thread" , "Use a needle and thread" .)