Crossword Genius

Steamed up in refitted frigate -- leaders of force getting withheld (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

irate

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'steamed' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for irate that I've seen before include "will be up in arms" , "ranting" , "Spitting feathers" , "raging" , "having got in wax" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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