Crossword Genius

Love to indulge in abuse and make speeches (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

orate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'make speeches' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'love to indulge in abuse' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'love' could be 'o' (love means zero in tennis) and 'o' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'rate' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for orate that I've seen before include "Give speech" , "Speak formally" , "Make a lengthy speech" , "Make a pompous speech" , "Speak in florid style" .)

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