Crossword Genius

Discourage a fellow from becoming cleaner (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

detergent

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'becoming cleaner' is the definition.
'detergent' can be an answer for 'cleaner' (chemical that cleans). I am not certain of the 'becoming' bit.

'discourage a fellow' is the wordplay.
'discourage' becomes 'deter' (synonyms).
'a fellow' becomes 'gent' (synonyms).
'deter'+'gent'='DETERGENT'

'from' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for detergent that I've seen before include "cleaner" , "Cleaning product" , "Soluble cleansing agent" , "Cleansing substance used for washing clothes" , "Synthetic cleaning substance for washing machines" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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