Crossword Genius

Early take-offs from Delta, easyJet, Monarch...oh, and BMI...put out of action (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

demob

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'out of action' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot see how one could define the other.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for demob that I've seen before include "Release from army" , "soldier's release" , "Disband troops" , "removal from service" , "Leave the army" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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