[can.ni.bal.ize] vb -ized ; -iz.ing vt (1943) 1 a: to take salvageable parts from (as a disabled machine) for use in building or repairing another machine b: to make use of (a part taken from one thing) in building or repairing something else
2: to deprive of an essential part or element in creating or sustaining another facility or enterprise "the energy system has begun cannibalizing the economic system it is supposed to fuel --Barry Commoner"
3: to use or draw on material of (as another writer or an earlier work) "a volume ... that not only ~s previous publications but is intended itself to be cannibalized --R. M. Adams"
4: to take (sales) away from an existing product by selling or being sold as a similar but new product usu. from the same manufacturer; also: to affect (as an existing product) adversely by cannibalizing sales ~ vi 1: to practice cannibalism
2: to cannibalize one unit for the sake of another of the same kind -- can.ni.bal.i.za.tion n