rationalize
(redirected from rationalizers)Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia.
rationalize
(răsh′ə-nə-līz′)v.
To devise self-satisfying but false or inconsistent reasons for one's behavior, especially as an unconscious defense mechanism through which irrational acts or feelings are made to appear rational to oneself.
ra′tion·al·i·za′tion (-lĭ-zā′shən) n.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.