Intense as lifebelt may be described (7)
I believe the answer is:
searing
'lifebelt may be described' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'intense as' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'as' could be 'in' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'in' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for searing that I've seen before include "Scorching" , "An aromatic liquid; aumbry (anag.)" .)