Loved to bother communist (6)
I believe the answer is:
adored
'loved' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'bother communist' is the wordplay.
'bother' becomes 'ado' (both can mean fuss or commotion).
'communist' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean communist).
'ado'+'red'='ADORED'
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for adored that I've seen before include "having lover" , "Doted on" , "Deeply respected" , "Worshipped and revered" , "Loved, venerated" .)