Wounds in a most absent-minded way (5)
I believe the answer is:
stabs
'wounds' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'a most absent-minded way' is the wordplay.
'STABS' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am not sure how the hidden word is indicated.
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stabs that I've seen before include "Pierces" , "Wounds with blow of knife" , "Thrusts a knife into" .)