Crossword Genius

Persuaded to take an exotic drug out East (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

urged

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

'persuaded' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'an exotic drug out east' is the wordplay.
'an exotic' is an anagram indicator.
'out' indicates putting letters inside.
'east' becomes 'e' (synonyms).
'drug' is an anagram of 'urgd'.
'urgd' placed around 'e' is 'URGED'.

'to take' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for urged that I've seen before include "Incited" , "Exhorted or prodded" , "Beseeched" , "Pressed" , "Strongly recommended" .)

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app