Was returned as ensured (3)
I believe the answer is:
saw
'ensured' is the definition.
('see' can be a synonym of 'ensure')
'was returned' is the wordplay.
'returned' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'was' back-to-front is 'SAW'.
'as' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for saw that I've seen before include "Cutting tool or maxim" , "Cutting tool or old saying" , "Realised" , "Saying; cut wood" , "Viewed; maxim" .)