Crossword Genius

Condemnation of scene after stripping? Certainly (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

censure

'condemnation' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'scene after stripping? certainly' is the wordplay.
'after stripping?' says to take the centre (the word is stripped of its external letters).
'certainly' becomes 'sure' (synonyms).
The centre of 'scene' is 'cen'.
'cen'+'sure'='CENSURE'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for censure that I've seen before include "Severe criticism or disapproval" , "Harsh criticism or disapproval" , "Formally reprove" , "Opprobrium" , "Formal disapproval" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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