Crossword Genius

Reject outcast swapping sides (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

repel

'swapping sides' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'reject outcast' is the wordplay.
'reject' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'outcast' becomes 'leper' (leper is a kind of outcast).
'leper' in reverse letter order is 'REPEL'.

(Other definitions for repel that I've seen before include "Reject" , "Fill with distaste" , "Drive back or disgust" , "Fight off - drive back" , "Drive or force back" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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