What does cannibalise mean?
Cannibalise is a verb meaning either to strip parts from one machine or structure in order to repair or construct another, or — in modern commercial usage — to erode the sales of one product by introducing a similar alternative from the same source. The word derives from 'cannibal', ultimately tracing back through Spanish caníbal to the Carib peoples of the Caribbean. Its figurative sense of self-destruction makes it especially vivid: a company that cannibalises its own product range is, in effect, consuming itself. The term appears frequently in engineering, aviation, publishing, technology, and marketing contexts, where it often signals an internal trade-off between innovation and existing revenue streams. Though slightly negative in connotation when applied commercially, it remains a precise and widely understood way to describe this particular kind of self-competing substitution.
To strip usable components from one item in order to build or repair another.
"They cannibalised the old printer for spare parts."
Often used transitively.
To cause a loss of sales for an existing product by introducing a new, similar one.
"Streaming rights were sold separately, which threatened to cannibalise DVD sales."
Frequently used in marketing and business analysis.
(Of animals) To eat individuals of one's own species.
"Under extreme food scarcity, some rodent species will cannibalise their young."
Less common sense today.
Cannibalise literally comes from 'Cannibal' — a word derived from the name of the Carib people — so every time a company cannibalises its own product line, it is metaphorically eating itself alive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cannibalise
Cannibalise derives from 'cannibal', which entered English in the 16th century via Spanish caníbal, itself adapted from Carib, the name of the indigenous Caribbean people whom early European explorers described as man-eaters. The verb form emerged later, first describing the literal practice among some animals of eating their own kind, then extending by analogy to machines — stripping one vehicle for parts to feed another — and eventually to commerce, where one product 'devours' the sales of its sibling. Related words sharing this root include cannibal itself and canine (via a different but related Indo-European path).
Related word forms
How cannibalise is actually used
Common in British English with '-ise' spelling; US usage typically prefers '-ize'. The business sense carries a slightly negative connotation, implying self-competition rather than genuine growth.
Easily confused with cannibalise
Cannibalize is simply the American spelling of cannibalise; both mean exactly the same thing.