What propagators do is a corrupt practice (5)
I believe the answer is:
graft
This could be a double definition.
'what propagators do' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'corrupt practice' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'is a' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for graft that I've seen before include "Hard work; corruption" , "Hard work - illicit gain" , "Hard work - corrupt profit" , "Slip" , "Shoot; hard work" .)