Scrutinise special tin
I believe the answer is:
scan
'scrutinise' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'special tin' is the wordplay.
'special' becomes 'S' (common abbreviation as in Special Air Service).
'tin' becomes 'can' (synonyms).
's'+'can'='SCAN'
(Other definitions for scan that I've seen before include "show in this?" , "Examine (to transmit)" , "Examine, view" , "Medical examination" , "Look over (in order to copy?)" .)