Helper traps black bear (5)
I believe the answer is:
abide
'bear' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'helper traps black' is the wordplay.
'helper' becomes 'aide' (aide is a kind of helper).
'traps' indicates putting letters inside.
'black' becomes 'b' (abbreviation as in pencil classifications).
'aide' placed around 'b' is 'ABIDE'.
(Other definitions for abide that I've seen before include "Stay or endure" , "Endure; dwell" , "'. . . . . with me, fast falls the eventide'" , "Put up with" , "Stomach" .)