— cannibalization , n.
/kan"euh beuh luyz'/ , v. , cannibalized, cannibalizing .
v.t.
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.
v.i.
4. to act cannibalistically; practice cannibalism.
Also, esp. Brit., cannibalise .
[ 1940-45; CANNIBAL + -IZE ]