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Popular Muslim ruler seeing off an attack (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

insult

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'attack' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'popular muslim ruler seeing off an' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'in' ('in' can mean trendy).
'muslim ruler' becomes 'sultan' (title for a royal in some Muslim countries).
'seeing off' is a deletion indicator ('off' can mean to remove).
'sultan' with 'an' removed is 'sult'.
'in'+'sult'='INSULT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for insult that I've seen before include "Hurtful and offensive remark" , "Remark intended to hurt or humiliate" , "Speak or act inm abusive way" , "Demeaning remark" , "Cause offence to" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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