intellectualize

verb

1. To treat in an intellectual manner; to discuss or express intellectually.

- Sentiment is intellectualized emotion. — Lowell.

2. To endow with intellect; to bestow intellectual qualities upon; to cause to become intellectual.

3. (US, transitive) to find a seemingly rational explanation for something:

4. (psychology) to use (excessive) reasoning and rationalization to block out emotional stress and anxiety associated with painful or traumatic experiences