Crossword Genius

Force state briefly to give up (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

forego

'give up' is the definition.

'force state briefly' is the wordplay.
'force' becomes 'f' (symbol used in Physics e.g. f=ma).
'state' becomes 'or'.
'briefly' becomes 'ego' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'f'+'or'+'ego'='FOREGO'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for forego that I've seen before include "Go without or precede" , "Go without, give up" , "Go without (desirable thing)" , "Take precedence" , "Surrender" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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