Crossword Genius

Gave energy to captive soldier, English revolutionary (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

powered

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

'gave energy' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to consumption as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'captive soldier english revolutionary' is the wordplay.
'captive soldier' becomes 'pow' (I've seen this in another clue).
'english' becomes 'E' (abbreviation).
'revolutionary' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean a communist).
'pow'+'e'+'red'='POWERED'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for powered that I've seen before include "Supplied with energy" , "Forcible" , "Wee drop (anag.)" , "Like anything with an engine" , "Fuelled" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app