rationalize

Verb

• remove irrational quantities from
  • This function can be rationalized
    

• think rationally; employ logic or reason
  • When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize
    

• structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results
  • We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits
    

• weed out unwanted or unnecessary things
  • We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet
    

• defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
  • rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior
    
  • he rationalized his lack of success
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  rationalise , cut , prune , apologize , apologise , excuse , justify