Possibly lose about five passionate friends (5)
I believe the answer is:
loves
'passionate friends' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'possibly lose about five' is the wordplay.
'possibly' is an anagram indicator.
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'five' becomes 'V' (Roman numeral).
'lose' is an anagram of 'loes'.
'loes' placed around 'v' is 'LOVES'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for loves that I've seen before include "Adores" , "Solve (anag.)" , "Holds dear" , "Has great affection for" , "Dotes on" .)