Crossword Genius

Exploited American editor (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

used

'exploited' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'american editor' is the wordplay.
'american' becomes 'US' (United States).
'editor' becomes 'ed' (abbreviation).
'us'+'ed'='USED'

(Other definitions for used that I've seen before include "Took advantage of" , "took a chance on becoming dependent" , "taken advantage of!" , "Pre-owned" , "Utilised" .)

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