Scared witless, I'd gone -- made me think (9)
I believe the answer is:
intimated
'made me think' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for intimated that I've seen before include "have given a hint" , "Suggested" , "Let it be known" .)