Ida is out to help (3)
I believe the answer is:
aid
'help' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'ida is out' is the wordplay.
'is out' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'was out' mean this).
'ida' is an anagram of 'AID'.
'to' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for aid that I've seen before include "Help, assistance" , "A hand" , "Help. Assist" , "grant" , "charity" .)