Crossword Genius

Sanctioned wretch provided with makeshift bomb (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ratified

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

'sanctioned wretch' is the definition.
'ratified' can be an answer for 'sanctioned' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not sure about the 'wretch' bit.

'provided with makeshift bomb' is the wordplay.
'provided' becomes 'if' (eg 'provided it's sunny' means 'if it's sunny').
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'makeshift' becomes 'rat' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'bomb' becomes 'ied' (abbreviation for improvised explosive device).
'if' after 'rat' is 'ratif'.
'ratif'+'ied'='RATIFIED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ratified that I've seen before include "Officially adopted" , "Formally confirmed" , "(Of treaty) validated" , "Formally approved and given legal authority" , "Of treaty, agreed and signed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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