Grotesque figure runs into battle (6)

I believe the answer is:

fright

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'grotesque' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'figure runs into battle' is the wordplay.
'figure runs' becomes 'r' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'into' indicates putting letters inside.
'battle' becomes 'fight' (synonyms).
'r' going inside 'fight' is 'FRIGHT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fright that I've seen before include "Shock, intense fear" , "Start" , "Sudden feeling of fear" , "Horror" , "Sudden exposure to fear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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