Used a hatchet on (4)
I believe the answer is:
axed
'used a hatchet on' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for axed that I've seen before include "Sacked or terminated - with hatchet?" , "Felled" , "Stopped" , "Fired - cut down" , "Dismissed with a hatchet" .)