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.
Derivatives:
rationalization n. rationalizer n.