Main Entry: ra·tio·nal·ize

Variant(s): also British ra·tio·nal·ise \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-^əl-ˌīz\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ra·tio·nal·ized also British ra·tio·nal·ised; ra·tio·nal·iz·ing also British ra·tio·nal·is·ing

transitive verb

: to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable ; especially : to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives <he tried to rationalize his cruel behavior>

intransitive verb

: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct

—ra·tio·nal·iz·er also British ra·tio·nal·is·er \-ər\ noun