Crossword Genius

Denounce former partner, City judge (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

execrate

'denounce' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'former partner city judge' is the wordplay.
'former partner' becomes 'ex' (an ex-partner).
'city' becomes 'EC' (the City of London postcode).
'judge' becomes 'rate' (rating is a kind of judging).
'ex'+'ec'+'rate'='EXECRATE'

(Other definitions for execrate that I've seen before include "Deplore and detest" , "Denounce or detract" , "Express great loathing for" , "Curse" , "Express hatred for" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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