rationalize rationalize /ˈræʃənəˌlaɪz/

verb

1. () Defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning  ( apologise [British] , apologize , rationalise [British] , excuse , rationalize )
   defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
    Rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior
   rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior
    He rationalized his lack of success
   he rationalized his lack of success
   
2. () Weed out unwanted or unnecessary things  ( cut , prune , rationalise [British] , rationalize )
   weed out unwanted or unnecessary things
    We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet
   We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet
   
3. (mathematics) remove irrational quantities from  ( rationalise [British] , rationalize )
   (mathematics) remove irrational quantities from
    This function can be rationalized
   This function can be rationalized
   
4. Think rationally; employ logic or reason  ( rationalise [British] , rationalize )
   think rationally; employ logic or reason
    When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize
   When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize
   
5. Structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results  ( rationalise [British] , rationalize )
   structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results
    We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits
   We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits