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