Crossword Genius

Abuses in society in the last second (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

insults

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'abuses in society in the last second' is the definition.
'insults' can be an answer for 'abuses' ('insult' can be a synonym of 'abuse'). I am not sure about the 'in society in the last second' bit.

'abuses in society in the last second' is the wordplay.
'abuses in' is an anagram indicator (I've seen 'abused in' mean this (the letters are abused or damaged)).
'society' becomes 's' (common abbreviation in names of organisations).
'the last' becomes 'ult' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
's'+'in'='sin'
'sin' anagrammed gives 'ins'.
'ins'+'ult'+'s'='INSULTS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for insults that I've seen before include "Abusive remarks or acts" , "Affronts" , "Abuses verbally" , "Rude remarks" , "Offensive remarks" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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