Crossword Genius

Scared of a loud attack (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

afraid

'scared' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'a loud attack' is the wordplay.
'loud' becomes 'f' (short for forte - 'loud' in music).
'attack' becomes 'raid' (raiding is a kind of attacking).
'a'+'f'+'raid'='AFRAID'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for afraid that I've seen before include "Feeling anxiety or fear" , "Scared, apprehensive" , "Fearful, anxious" , "Scared - politely regretful" , "Fearful and timid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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