rationalize

Universal Words (BrE also rationalise) verb 1 to find or try to find a logical reason to explain why sb thinks, behaves, etc. in a way that is difficult to understand: [VN] an attempt to rationalize his violent behaviour [also V] 2 (BrE) to make changes to a business, system, etc. in order to make it more efficient, especially by spending less money: [VN] Twenty workers lost their jobs when the department was rationalized. [also V] rationalization, rationalisation noun [U,C]: No amount of rationalization could justify his actions. * a need for rationalization of the industry