Crossword Genius

Non-theoretical program spread fake news? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

applied

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'non-theoretical' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'program spread fake news?' is the wordplay.
'program' becomes 'app' (type of computer program).
'spread fake news?' becomes 'lied' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'app'+'lied'='APPLIED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for applied that I've seen before include "implemented" , "Put into service, made work" , "Responded to job ad" , "Assigned < practical" , "Practical rather than theoretical" .)

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