Crossword Genius

Self-esteem and energy to depart (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ego

'self-esteem' is the definition.
(ego can mean one's sense of self)

'energy to depart' is the wordplay.
'energy' becomes 'e' (physics symbol as in E=mco).
'to depart' becomes 'go' (synonyms).
'e'+'go'='EGO'

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ego that I've seen before include "(Self-assertive) personality" , "One's self-image" , "Conscious mind" , "See 21 Down" , "In Virgil I" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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