Took off the split ends - torn (8)
I believe the answer is:
stripped
'took off' is the definition.
(stripping is a kind of taking off)
'the split ends torn' is the wordplay.
'ends' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'torn' becomes 'ripped' (ripping is a kind of tearing).
'split' with its centre taken out is 'st'.
'st'+'ripped'='STRIPPED'
(Other definitions for stripped that I've seen before include "Undressed" , "behaved 'naughtily' in club?" , "Removed paint - or clothes" , "Removed clothing, perhaps forpay" , "Deprived of cover" .)