ˌrashən ə lə̇ˈzāshən, -shnələ̇-, ˌraash-, ˌraish-, - ə lˌīˈ-, -nəˌlīˈ- noun
( -s )
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing: as
a. : substitution of a rational for a supernatural explanation
by giving the Bible a poetic … interpretation … in short, by rationalization — Humanist
b. : an account or ordering in conformity with reason or rational principles
offering this rationalization of a people — Kay Boyle
a rationalization of … customs procedures — New York Times
this process of rationalization in … biological thinking — P.S.Hudson
c. : the organization of a business or industry upon scientific principles of management and simplified procedures to obtain greater efficiency of operation
d. : the provision of plausible reasons to explain to oneself or others behavior for which one's real motives are different and unknown or unconscious
the reasons most commonly given for anti-Semitism … are rationalizations of prejudices — Harper's