In general terms, adapt (5)
I believe the answer is:
alter
'adapt' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'in general terms' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'ALTER' can be found hidden inside 'general terms'.
(Other definitions for alter that I've seen before include "Change, maybe later" , "Revise" , "Adapt" , "Change, make different" , "Make changes to" .)