Wanted to be free of parent? (7)
I believe the answer is:
desired
'wanted' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'free of parent?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'parent?' could be 'sire' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'sire' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'to be' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for desired that I've seen before include "Had aspired to" , "Wanted strongly" , "Lusted-after" , "Craved" , "much wished for" .)