Crossword Genius

Loser paid for breaking into two camps (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

polarised

'into two camps' is the definition.
(polarised means in two opposing groups)

'loser paid for breaking' is the wordplay.
'for breaking' indicates anagramming the letters.
'loser'+'paid'='loserpaid'
'loserpaid' with letters rearranged gives 'POLARISED'.

(Other definitions for polarised that I've seen before include "Separate" , "in opposing camps" , "like some light" , "Extremely divided" , "(Of light waves) vibrating in one plane" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app