Crossword Genius

Serious fear leader in Times has something wrong with it (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

terror

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'serious fear' is the definition.
'terror' can be an answer for 'fear' (terror is a kind of fear). I am not certain of the 'serious' bit.

'leader in times has something wrong with it' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'wrong' could be 'error' (I've seen this before) and 'error' is found within the answer.
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found within the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for terror that I've seen before include "Troublesome child" , "Troublesome kid" , "(What causes) panic" , "Little brat" , "Utter dread" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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