Crossword Genius

Runs away in defeat (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rout

'defeat' is the definition.
(I know that rout is a type of defeat)

'runs away' is the wordplay.
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'away' becomes 'out' (synonyms).
'r'+'out'='ROUT'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for rout that I've seen before include "Overwhelming victory" , "Complete defeat" , "snore" , "Total defeat in battle" , "Defeat thoroughly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent and The Sun.
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