Zombie family member's backing off, clutching something red (9)
I believe the answer is:
automaton
'zombie' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for automaton that I've seen before include "variety of android" , "One doesn't think" , "working robot" , "Zombie" , "insensate being" .)