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cannibalize

 - 2 dictionary results

can⋅ni⋅bal⋅ize

  [kan-uh-buh-lahyz] verb, -ized, -iz⋅ing.
Use cannibalize in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to subject to cannibalism.
2. 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.
3. 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)
4. to act cannibalistically; practice cannibalism.
Also, especially British, can⋅ni⋅bal⋅ise.

Origin:
1940–45; cannibal + -ize

Related forms:
can⋅ni⋅bal⋅i⋅za⋅tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To cannibalize
can·ni·bal·ize   (kān'ə-bə-līz')   
v.   can·ni·bal·ized, can·ni·bal·iz·ing, can·ni·bal·iz·es

v.   tr.

  1. To remove serviceable parts from (damaged airplanes, for example) for use in the repair of other equipment of the same kind.

  2. To deprive of vital elements or resources, such as personnel, equipment, or funding, for use elsewhere: "It becomes necessary to cannibalize unsuccessful projects to fund those which can proceed" (Daily Report for Executives).

  3. To draw on as a major source: "cannibalizes the lives of his wife and friends for his second-rate novels" (Washington Post).

  4. To practice cannibalism on.

v.   intr.
To practice cannibalism.
can'ni·bal·i·za'tion (-bə-lĭ-zā'shən) n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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