Crossword Genius

English spread out around Cape to destroy (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eradicate

'to destroy' is the definition.
(to eradicate is to destroy or eliminate)

'english spread out around cape' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'spread out' becomes 'radiate' (radiate can mean to spread or scatter).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'cape' becomes 'c' (abbreviation used on maps).
'radiate' enclosing 'c' is 'radicate'.
'e'+'radicate'='ERADICATE'

(Other definitions for eradicate that I've seen before include "Kill" , "Excise" , "Get rid of, remove all traces" , "Dispose of" , "Destroy completely" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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