Crossword Genius

Try to be a loveless, awful source of power (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assault

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

'try' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for assault that I've seen before include "The fool starts the attack" , "Attack associated with" , "set about" , "Sudden violent attack" , "Attack suddenly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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