Crossword Genius

Drawn, exhausted, disheartened (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tied

'drawn' is the definition.
('tie' can be a synonym of 'draw')

'exhausted disheartened' is the wordplay.
'exhausted' becomes 'tired' ('tire' can be a synonym of 'exhaust').
'disheartened' suggests removing the centre.
'tired' with its middle taken out is 'TIED'.

(Other definitions for tied that I've seen before include "Fastened, bound" , "Linked; restricted" , "(Of pub) controlled by a brewery" , "eg Scored 1-1" , "Bound or secured" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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