Crossword Genius

Enemy reported writer for being afraid (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

phobic

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'enemy reported' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'writer for being afraid' is the wordplay.
'writer' becomes 'bic' (kind of pen).
'for' says to put letters next to each other (I've seen this in other clues).
'being afraid' becomes 'pho' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'bic' put after 'pho' is 'PHOBIC'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for phobic that I've seen before include "Suffering irrational fears" , "suffering morbid fear" , "With an irrational fear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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