transitive verb, intransitive verb cannibalized -·ized′, cannibalizing -·iz′·ing

1. to strip (old or worn equipment) of parts for use in other units to help keep them in service
2. to take any or all personnel or components from (one organization) for use in building up another
3. to swallow up or devour (another of the same kind): used figuratively
4. to incorporate (parts of someone else's writing, painting, or music or of one's own earlier work) into one's current efforts