Crossword Genius

It's a ban put out - so keep away (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abstain

'keep away' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'it's a ban put out' is the wordplay.
'put out' is an anagram indicator.
'its'+'a'+'ban'='itsaban'
'itsaban' is an anagram of 'ABSTAIN'.

'so' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for abstain that I've seen before include "Spare" , "Give backing to" , "Desist" , "Forego,do without" , "Avoid" .)

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