cannibalize
[ kan-uh-buh-lahyz ]
/ ˈkæn ə bəˌlaɪz /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZZES
THIS PASTA QUIZ IS A TORTELLINI FUN CHALLENGE!
Whether you're feeling a little fusilli or saucy, this quiz on pasta names is meant for you! Take the quiz to see if you have your pasta facts just right. The pasta-bilities are endless.
Question 1 of 10
Which pasta name means “butterflies”?
Meet Grammar Coach
Improve Your Writing
Also especially British, can·ni·bal·ise .
OTHER WORDS FROM cannibalize
can·ni·bal·i·za·tion, nounWords nearby cannibalize
cannery, Cannes, cannetille, cannibal, cannibalism, cannibalize, cannikin, canning, Canning Basin, Cannizzaro, Cannock
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use cannibalize in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for cannibalize
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, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012