Crossword Genius

Ruin the state of Virginia in a passionate outburst (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ravage

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ruin the state' is the definition.
'ravage' can be an answer for 'ruin' (ravaging is a kind of ruining). I am unsure of the 'the state' bit.

'virginia in a passionate outburst' is the wordplay.
'virginia' becomes 'va' (US state abbreviation).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'a passionate outburst' becomes 'rage' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'va' inserted within 'rage' is 'RAVAGE'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ravage that I've seen before include "Cause extensive destruction" , "Devastation" , "Wreak havoc upon" , "Pillage or lay waste" , "Greatly damage, destroy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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