Loved - not half! - making a fuss (3)
I believe the answer is:
ado
'a fuss' is the definition.
('ado' can be a synonym of 'fuss')
'loved not half' is the wordplay.
'loved' becomes 'adored' ('adored' can be similar in meaning to 'loved').
'not half' indicates taking half.
'adored' cut in half is 'ADO'.
'making' is the link.
(Other definitions for ado that I've seen before include "Pother" , "Fuss, bother" , "Flap" , "Rapid bustling commotion" , "Goings-on" .)