Definition of cannibalize
cannibalized
;cannibalizing
transitive verb
1a : to take salvageable parts from (something, such as a disabled machine) for use in building or repairing another machineb : to make use of (a part taken from one thing) in building, repairing, or creating 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 (another writer, an earlier work, etc.) a biography that cannibalizes previous biographies
4 : to take (sales) away from an existing product by selling or being sold as a similar but new product usually from the same manufacturer; also : to affect (something, such as an existing product) adversely by cannibalizing sales
intransitive verb
1 : to practice cannibalism
2 : to cannibalize one unit for the sake of another of the same kind
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Examples of cannibalize in a Sentence
He cannibalized one washing machine to fix another.
Many parts of the engine were cannibalized from older cars.
Recent Examples of cannibalize from the Web
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That may prove a difficult line to walk - and could end up simply cannibalizing sales from West Elm.
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That may prove a difficult line to walk - and could end up simply cannibalizing sales from West Elm.
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That may prove a difficult line to walk - and could end up simply cannibalizing sales from West Elm.
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Irish intellectuals express the fear that the Celtic Tiger is cannibalizing its own traditions, manufacturing and marketing stereotypes of a culture that was once as influential and vibrant as any in Europe.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cannibalize'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
During World War II, military personnel often used salvageable parts from disabled vehicles and aircraft to repair other vehicles and aircraft. This sacrifice of one thing for the sake of another of its kind must have reminded some folks of cannibalism by humans and animals, because the process came to be known as cannibalizing. The armed forces of this time were also known to cannibalize-that is, to take away personnel from-units to build up other units. It didn't take long for this military slang to become civilianized. Since its demobilization, the term has been used in a variety of contexts.
First Known Use of cannibalize
1943
CANNIBALIZE Defined for English Language Learners
cannibalize
playDefinition of cannibalize for English Language Learners
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: to remove parts from a machine, car, etc., to repair or build another one
Learn More about cannibalize
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See words that rhyme with cannibalize Spanish Central: Translation of cannibalize Nglish: Translation of cannibalize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cannibalize for Arabic speakers
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