Crossword Genius

Forces out former leftists after revolution (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

extorts

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'forces out' is the definition.

'former leftists after revolution' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'former' could be 'ex' and 'ex' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'torts' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for extorts that I've seen before include "Obtains money with menaces" , "Obtains by coercion" , "squeezes" , "Threatens for money" , "Obtains by force or intimidation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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