Crossword Genius

Criticise former PM causing alarm (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dismay

'alarm' is the definition.
('dismay' can be a synonym of 'alarm')

'criticise former pm' is the wordplay.
'criticise' becomes 'dis' (speak disrespectfully).
'former pm' becomes 'may' (Theresa May).
'dis'+'may'='DISMAY'

'causing' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for dismay that I've seen before include "Consternation, discouragement" , "Feeling of surprise and discouragement" , "'Alarm, consternation (6)'" , "Feeling of despair in the face of obstacles" , "Fill with apprehension" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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