Turn on wench providing winch (8)
I believe the answer is:
windlass
'winch' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'turn on wench' is the wordplay.
'turn' becomes 'wind' (I've seen this in another clue).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (in a down clue, letters appear on others).
'wench' becomes 'lass' (both can mean a girl or young woman).
'wind'+'lass'='WINDLASS'
'providing' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for windlass that I've seen before include "Pulling devices of rope or chain wound around axle" , "Axle for rope or chain used in hoisting" , "Winch for hoisting an anchor" , "Dockside winch" , "Drum for reeling in heavy items by rope or chain" .)