Try and listen to rap (3)
I believe the answer is:
tap
'rap' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tap that I've seen before include "non-violent strike" , "Obtain money from" , "In America, it's a spigot" , "Water controller" , "Secret (phone) intercept" .)