Make safe notes on application (6)
I believe the answer is:
defuse
'make safe' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to competing as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'notes on application' is the wordplay.
'notes' becomes 'def' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'on' says to put letters next to each other.
'application' becomes 'use' (I've seen this in other clues).
'def'+'use'='DEFUSE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for defuse that I've seen before include "Reduce dangerous tension in situation" , "Reduce dangerous condition, in bomb or situation" , "Take the heat out of, make safe" , "Disarm bomb etc" , "Make less dangerous" .)