Father stays away from mad prank (5)
I believe the answer is:
antic
'prank' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for antic that I've seen before include "seen to be bizarre, at one time" , "Caper; grotesque (arch.)" , "Absurd action" , "Playful or mischievous act" , "Ludicrous act done for fun" .)