Crossword Genius

Thought a lot of especially shocking treatment described by communist (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

respected

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

'thought a lot' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'especially shocking treatment described by communist' is the wordplay.
'especially' becomes 'esp' (common abbreviation).
'shocking treatment' becomes 'ect' (electro-convulsive therapy).
'described by' is an insertion indicator (to describe can mean to form an outline).
'communist' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean communist).
'esp'+'ect'='espect'
'espect' inserted within 'red' is 'RESPECTED'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for respected that I've seen before include "Held in high regard" , "Looked up to" , "Held in esteem" , "'Esteemed, showed deference to (9)'" , "Had a high regard for someone" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.