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Cannibalized: meaning, definitions and examples

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cannibalized

 

[ ˈkænɪbəˌlaɪzd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

utilization in industry

To cannibalize means to use parts from one thing, often a product or machine, to repair or enhance another. This practice is common in manufacturing and technology industries, where older models or broken items are dismantled for spare parts. It can also refer to the practice of taking elements from one design or concept to apply them to another to improve functionality or appeal. Cannibalization can also happen in markets where a new product reduces the sales of an existing one within the same company.

Synonyms

repurpose, reuse, transform

Examples of usage

  • The company cannibalized their old models to support the new line.
  • He cannibalized parts from an old computer to upgrade his laptop.
  • The design team cannibalized features from previous products for the new version.

Translations

Translations of the word "cannibalized" in other languages:

🇵🇹 canibalizado

🇮🇳 कैनिबैलाइज्ड

🇩🇪 kanibalisiert

🇮🇩 kanibal

🇺🇦 канібалізований

🇵🇱 kanibalizowany

🇯🇵 カニバライズされた

🇫🇷 cannibalisé

🇪🇸 canibalizado

🇹🇷 yemek için kullanılan

🇰🇷 식인된

🇸🇦 مستغل

🇨🇿 kanibalizován

🇸🇰 kanibalizovaný

🇨🇳 被掠夺

🇸🇮 kanibaliziran

🇮🇸 mannætur

🇰🇿 каннибализирленген

🇬🇪 კანიბალიზებული

🇦🇿 kəniballaşdırılmış

🇲🇽 canibalizado

Etymology

The term 'cannibalize' originates from the word 'cannibal,' which itself comes from the Spanish term 'canibal' used in the 16th century to describe the Carib people, who were reputed to engage in the practice of consuming human flesh. Initially, the term referred specifically to the act of eating flesh, but it evolved to encompass broader meanings related to the idea of taking something from one entity to benefit another. In the context of industry and design, it gained traction in the 20th century as businesses sought ways to maximize resources. The essence of the term highlights a sort of competitive or resourceful spirit in various fields, whether in nature, market strategies, or technological innovation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,064, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.