Crossword Genius

… ran, half-witted, after Trotsky axed broadcaster (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trotted

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'ran' is the definition.
(trotting is a kind of running)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trotted that I've seen before include "Scampered" , "Moved at fairly fast gait" , "moved at a fair pace" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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