Crossword Genius

Mock independent friend going without sex (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

imitate

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

'independent friend going without sex' is the wordplay.
'independent' becomes 'i'.
'friend' becomes 'mate' (mate is a kind of friend).
'going without' means one lot of letters goes inside another ('without' can mean 'outside').
'sex' becomes 'it' (common euphemism).
'mate' enclosing 'it' is 'mitate'.
'i'+'mitate'='IMITATE'

(Other definitions for imitate that I've seen before include "I tame it (anag)" , "Copy or mimic" , "Copy, simulate" , "Copy (mannerisms)" , "Appear like, in behaviour or appearance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.