Crossword Genius

Why there was no report on the shooting? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

silencer

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'why' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for silencer that I've seen before include "It deadens the sound of firing" , "Reclines with sound-muffling device" , "Device to muffle sound of gun" , "Vehicle noise reducer" , "that back-seat drivers will ignore" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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