Discouraged sleuth blundered (8)

I believe the answer is:

deterred

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'discouraged' is the definition.
('deter' can be a synonym of 'discourage')

'sleuth blundered' is the wordplay.
'sleuth' becomes 'det' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'blundered' becomes 'erred' (I've seen this in another clue).
'det'+'erred'='DETERRED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for deterred that I've seen before include "Checked" , "Discouraged, put off" , "Discourage (someone from doing something)" , "Prevented or discouraged from doing something" , "given caution" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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