From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Rationalize \Ra"tion*al*ize\ (r[a^]sh"[u^]n*al*[imac]z), v. t.
1. To make rational; also, to convert to rationalism.
[1913 Webster]
2. To interpret in the manner of a rationalist.
[1913 Webster]
3. To form a rational conception of.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Alg.) To render rational; to free from radical signs or
quantities.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Rationalize \Ra"tion*al*ize\, v. i.
To use, and rely on, reason in forming a theory, belief,
etc., especially in matters of religion: to accord with the
principles of rationalism.
[1913 Webster]
Theodore . . . is justly considered the chief
rationalizing doctor of antiquity. --J. H.
Newman.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
rationalize
v 1: defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by
reasoning; "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy
behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success" [syn:
{apologize}, {apologise}, {excuse}, {justify},
{rationalize}, {rationalise}]
2: weed out unwanted or unnecessary things; "We had to lose
weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet" [syn: {cut},
{prune}, {rationalize}, {rationalise}]
3: structure and run according to rational or scientific
principles in order to achieve desired results; "We
rationalized the factory's production and raised profits"
[syn: {rationalize}, {rationalise}]
4: think rationally; employ logic or reason; "When one wonders
why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize"
[syn: {rationalize}, {rationalise}]
5: remove irrational quantities from; "This function can be
rationalized" [syn: {rationalize}, {rationalise}]
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