Make deep cuts in (8)
I believe the answer is:
lacerate
'make deep cuts in' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for lacerate that I've seen before include "Harrow" , "Deeply cut (flesh, skin)" , "Cut, leaving jagged edges" , "Slash" , "Tear roughly, cut jaggedly" .)