To remove serviceable parts from (damaged airplanes, for example) for use in the repair of other equipment of the same kind.
To deprive of vital elements or resources, such as personnel, equipment, or funding, for use elsewhere: “It becomes necessary to cannibalize unsuccessful projects to fund those which can proceed”(Daily Report for Executives).
To draw on as a major source: “cannibalizes the lives of his wife and friends for his second-rate novels”(Washington Post).