Crossword Genius

Fear of imitation ale, some might say (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

phobia

'fear' is the definition.
(a phobia is a fear of a particular thing)

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

(Other definitions for phobia that I've seen before include "Obsessive and persistent fear of something" , "Abnormal lasting fear or anxiety" , "An irrational fear or dislike" , "A lasting abnormal fear of smoething" , "A lasting abnormal fear or dislike" .)

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