[rash-uh-nl-ahyz, rash-nl-ahyz] 
verb, -ized, -iz⋅ing.| 1. | to ascribe (one's acts, opinions, etc.) to causes that superficially seem reasonable and valid but that actually are unrelated to the true, possibly unconscious and often less creditable or agreeable causes. |
| 2. | to remove unreasonable elements from. |
| 3. | to make rational or conformable to reason. |
| 4. | to treat or explain in a rational or rationalistic manner. |
| 5. | Mathematics. to eliminate radicals from (an equation or expression): to rationalize the denominator of a fraction. |
| 6. | Chiefly British. to reorganize and integrate (an industry). |
| 7. | to invent plausible explanations for acts, opinions, etc., that are actually based on other causes: He tried to prove that he was not at fault, but he was obviously rationalizing. |
| 8. | to employ reason; think in a rational or rationalistic manner. |
| ra·tion·al·i·za·tion (rāsh'ə-nə-lĭ-zā'shən) n.
|
Rationalization
A reorganization of a company in order to increase its efficiency. This reorganization may lead to an expansion or reduction in company size, a change of policy, or an alteration of strategy pertaining to particular products.
Investopedia Commentary
Similar to a reorganization, a rationalization is more widespread, encompassing strategy as well as structural changes.
See also: Horizontal Integration, Reorganization, Restructuring, Vertical Integration
rationalize ra·tion·al·ize (rāsh'ə-nə-līz')
v. ra·tion·al·ized, ra·tion·al·iz·ing, ra·tion·al·iz·es
To make rational.
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.
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