My beginning is a time for a leader to lead.
My middle is a type of insect seed.
My end is a talk that’s shorter than a screed.
I increased a problem that was losing all its speed.
What am I?
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I think the answer is
Reignited
My beginning is a time for a leader to lead.
Reign - the period of rule of a monarch.
My middle is a type of insect seed.
Nit - the egg or young form of a louse or other parasitic insect
My end is a talk that’s shorter than a screed.
TED - TED talks are usually reasonably short.
I increased a problem that was losing all its speed.
Reignited - made something such as a disagreement or worry that was disappearing grow stronger.
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Well, I had a decent idea on the last two lines, and managed to hammer in something resembling a fit on the first two, so I'll just go ahead and guess
Deterioration.
My beginning is a time for a leader to lead.
In military terminology, a "det" is short for "detachment", meaning that a smaller group is sent on a special mission, so it's time for a leader to lead.
My middle is a type of insect seed.
The seeds of a strawberry (and a couple of other plants) come in an aggregate fruit called an etærio, or eterio. I think I need a bigger hammer to fit any insects in here, though.
My end is a talk that’s shorter than a screed.
An oration is a longish talk, but not as long as a screed.
I increased a problem that was losing all its speed.
Deterioration means that things start to go from bad to worse.
