I put lad off with praise (7)
I believe the answer is:
plaudit
'praise' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for plaudit that I've seen before include "Salute" , "Expression of praise or approval" , "Praise, encomium" , "Praise, accolade" , "Acclaim" .)