Left for dead (8)

I believe the answer is:

departed

I believe this is a double definition.

'left' is the first definition.
(departing is a kind of leaving)

'dead' is the second definition.
('departed' can be similar in meaning to 'dead')

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for departed that I've seen before include "Gone, maybe dead" , "Left -- late" , "completely breathless" , "Dead; set off" , "Quit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app