Definition

To use parts from one thing to repair or create another similar thing, or to consume the flesh of another person.

Example

In order to fix the broken device, they decided to cannibalise parts from an old one.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear that they might cannibalise some old machines for parts?

Yeah, that makes sense to save costs on repairs.

I wonder how often they actually cannibalise equipment like that.

I think it happens more than we realize, especially in factories.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cannibalise → It is formed from "cannibal" (from Spanish *caníbal*, meaning a person who eats human flesh) and the suffix "-ise" (meaning to make or to become). The word "cannibalise" means to take parts from one thing to use in another, often in a way that resembles the act of consuming or using up resources.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'taking parts' from one thing to 'make' another — that's why cannibalise means to use parts from one source.

Visually Confused Words