Crossword Genius

Scorn energy drinks editor returned (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

despise

'scorn' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'energy drinks editor returned' is the wordplay.
'energy' becomes 'e' (physics symbol as in E=mci).
'drinks' becomes 'sips' (sipping is a kind of drinking).
'editor' becomes 'ed' (abbreviation).
'returned' is a reversal indicator.
'e'+'sips'+'ed'='esipsed'
'esipsed' reversed gives 'DESPISE'.

(Other definitions for despise that I've seen before include "Have contempt for, regard as low" , "Hate, disdain" , "Look down upon" , "Hold in contempt" , "Loathe, look down on" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app