Crossword Genius

To deprive a chap of a companion, mate, is a horrifying thing to do (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

appal

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

'a companion mate is a horrifying thing to do' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'to deprive a chap' is the wordplay.
'to deprive' becomes 'app' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'a chap' becomes 'Al' (man's name).
'app'+'al'='APPAL'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for appal that I've seen before include "Put at rest (suspicion)" , "Cause to be unpleasantly surprised" , "exhibiting dismay" , "Scandalise" , "Greatly dismay" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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.