Crossword Genius

Shock reduction in publicity activity? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stun

'shock' is the definition.
(both can mean to surprise)

'reduction in publicity activity?' is the wordplay.
'reduction in' means to remove the last letter (the number of letters in the word is reduced).
'publicity activity?' becomes 'stunt' (I've seen this in another clue).
'stunt' with its last letter taken away is 'STUN'.

(Other definitions for stun that I've seen before include "Make dazed or numb" , "Put out for the count" , "Confound" , "deliver a knock-out blow" , "Surprise greatly, knock someone''s socks off" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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