rationalize

One entry found for rationalize.

Main Entry: ra·tio·nal·ize
Variant(s): also British ra·tio·nal·ise /rash-n-lz, -n-l-z/
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -ized also British -ised; -iz·ing also British -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 /-r/ noun