Crossword Genius

Put me back by the way and finally end understanding (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

empathy

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

'understanding' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'put me back by the way and finally end' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'by' could be 'at' and 'at' is present in the answer.
'way' could be 'e' (Compass direction - East) and 'e' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for empathy that I've seen before include "Intuitive fellow-feeling" , "Fellow feeling" , "Emotional identification" , "Psychological identification" , "Ability to share another's feelings" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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