cannibalize

[ kan-uh-buh-lahyz ]
/ ˈkæn ə bəˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object), can·ni·bal·ized, can·ni·bal·iz·ing.

to subject to cannibalism.
to remove parts, equipment, assets, employees, etc., from (an item, product, or business) in order to use them in another: to cannibalize old airplanes for replacement parts.
to cut into; cause to become reduced; diminish: New products introduced in the next six months will cannibalize sales from established lines.

verb (used without object), can·ni·bal·ized, can·ni·bal·iz·ing.

to act cannibalistically; practice cannibalism.
Also especially British, can·ni·bal·ise.

Origin of cannibalize

First recorded in 1940–45; cannibal + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM cannibalize

can·ni·bal·i·za·tion, noun

Words nearby cannibalize

British Dictionary definitions for cannibalise

cannibalize

cannibalise

/ (ˈkænɪbəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to use (serviceable parts from one machine or vehicle) to repair another, esp as an alternative to using new parts

Derived forms of cannibalize

cannibalization or cannibalisation, noun