Crossword Genius

Prevents spots coming back (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stops

'prevents' is the definition.
(stopping is a kind of preventing)

'spots coming back' is the wordplay.
'coming back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'spots' reversed gives 'STOPS'.

(Other definitions for stops that I've seen before include "Discontinues" , "Ceases" , "Ends" , "Prevents" , "Checks" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.