Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
n. 1 (context idiomatic English) A journalistic or other treatment which portrays its subject in a very unfavorable manner; a work of criticism which aims to destroy a reputation. 2 (context idiomatic English) An action or a program which imposes deep reductions in expenditure.
WordNet
n. a malicious attack [syn: defamation, calumny, obloquy, traducement]
Usage examples of "hatchet job".
When I assured him that that was not my purpose, he assumed that you had sent me out to do a hatchet job on him for your November issue, which would hit the stands just prior to election day.
But Brock was shaken by his loss of faith in Thomas, conflicted about producing another hatchet job.
It was violently against all his principles to ask someone deliberately on to the programme in order to do a hatchet job.
She knew before reading the first word that she was the target of a hatchet job.
If your friends or family members recognize themselves, you can be in deep trouble, and not just when you do a hatchet job on them.