Crossword Genius

Scaremongering member divides elite group (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alarmist

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'scaremongering' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'member divides elite group' is the wordplay.
'member' becomes 'arm' (member can mean a limb).
'divides' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters divide the word).
'elite group' becomes 'a-list' (I've seen this in another clue).
'arm' placed within 'alist' is 'ALARMIST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alarmist that I've seen before include "Exaggerator of danger" , "Creating needless worry" , "Given to causing unnecessary panic" , "unduly frightening" , "One crying wolf" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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