rationalization

rationalization /ra·tion·al·iza·tion/ (ră″shun-al-ĭ-za´shun) an unconscious defense mechanism by which one justifies attitudes and behavior that would otherwise be unacceptable.

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rationalization

[rash′ənal′īzā′shən]

the most commonly used defense mechanism, in which an individual justifies ideas, actions, or feelings with seemingly acceptable reasons or explanations. It is often used to preserve self-respect, reduce guilt feelings, or obtain social approval or acceptance.

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rationalization [rash″on-al-ĭ-za´shun]

an unconscious defense mechanism in which a person finds logical reasons (justification) for his or her behavior while ignoring the real reasons. It is a form of self-deception unconsciously used to make tolerable certain feelings, behaviors, and motives that would otherwise be unacceptable. Everyone uses rationalization at some time or other and in most instances it is a relatively harmless behavior pattern; the danger lies in deceiving oneself habitually so that eventually harmful or destructive behavior comes to be justified in one's mind.

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rationalization

Psychology A defense mechanism in which a person attempts to justify or make consciously tolerable by plausible means, feelings, behavior, or motives that are otherwise intolerable; an explanation or justification for one's actions. See Ego defense mechanism, Projection.