rationalize vs defend

rationalize and defend both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
rationalize	No	No	Yes	No
defend	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, defend is a hypernym of rationalize; that is, defend is a word with a broader meaning than rationalize:

Other hypernyms of rationalize include fend for, support.

rationalize (verb)	defend (verb)
weed out unwanted or unnecessary things	argue or speak in defense of
remove irrational quantities from	state or assert
think rationally; employ logic or reason	be on the defensive; act against an attack
defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning	protect against a challenge or attack
structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results	protect or fight for as a champion
	fight against or resist strongly
	be the defense counsel for someone in a trial