Mend gear after the opening and provoke feelings of fondness (6)
I believe the answer is:
endear
'mend' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot understand how one could define the other.
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for endear that I've seen before include "Neared (anag.)" , "Make attractive or lovable" , "Inspire affection" , "Draw" , "Make popular" .)