Massaging the middle may prevent it (3)

I believe the answer is:

sag

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

'prevent it' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'massaging the middle' is the wordplay.
'the middle' indicates the central letters.
The middle letters of 'massaging' are 'SAG'.

'may' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sag that I've seen before include "Fail to retain interest" , "Give way under pressure" , "Lose energy" , "Droop, sink in the middle" , "Slump" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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