Crossword Genius

Possibly united by here separated (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

untied

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'here separated' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'possibly united' is the wordplay.
'possibly' indicates anagramming the letters.
'united' anagrammed gives 'UNTIED'.

'by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for untied that I've seen before include "Not fastened" , "Picked loose" , "Unfastened, unlaced" , "Released from 19" , "'Unfastened, lace say (6)'" .)

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