Male went first prepared for action (7)
I believe the answer is:
buckled
'prepared for action' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to change as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'male went first' is the wordplay.
'male' becomes 'buck' (male deer).
'went first' becomes 'led' (I've seen this in another clue).
'buck'+'led'='BUCKLED'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for buckled that I've seen before include "Crumpled under pressure." , "Securely fastened" , "folded under pressure" , "Bent" , "Fastened up - gave way" .)