Removes protection for privates and retrieves mission data (8)

I believe the answer is:

debriefs

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

'removes' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for debriefs that I've seen is " Asks questions about a completed mission".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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.