Crossword Genius

Deserted by sailor and done in (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abandoned

'deserted' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'sailor and done in' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'ab' (abbreviation for able seaman).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'and' placed around 'done' is 'andoned'.
'ab'+'andoned'='ABANDONED'

'by' is the link.

(Other definitions for abandoned that I've seen before include "Gave up - left - being completely irresponsible" , "without any reservations at all" , "lacking in self-control" , "Dropped" , "Derelict, deserted" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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