RATIONALIZE

v. (also -ise) 1 a tr. offer or subconsciously adopt a rational but specious explanation of (one's behaviour or attitude). b intr. explain one's behaviour or attitude in this way. 2 tr. make logical and consistent. 3 tr. make (a business etc.) more efficient by reorganizing it to reduce or eliminate waste of labour, time, or materials. 4 tr. (often foll. by away) explain or explain away rationally. 5 tr. Math. clear of surds. 6 intr. be or act as a rationalist. rationalization n. rationalizer n.