Source : WordNet®

rationalise
     v 1: 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}]
     2: 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}]
     3: think rationally; employ logic or reason; "When one wonders
        why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize"
        [syn: {rationalize}]
     4: remove irrational quantities from; "This function can be
        rationalized" [syn: {rationalize}]
     5: weed out unwanted or unnecessary things; "We had to lose
        weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet" [syn: {cut}, {prune},
         {rationalize}]