rationalize

ra·tio·nal·ize

verb

ra·tio·nal·ized also British ra·tio·nal·isedra·tio·nal·iz·ing also British ra·tio·nal·is·ing

Definition of RATIONALIZE

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

Variants of RATIONALIZE

ra·tio·nal·ize also British ra·tio·nal·ise \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-^əl-ˌīz\