apologize

verb

Etymology: From apology + -ize, from ἀπολογία (apología, “a speech in defense”), from ἀπολογέομαι (apologéomai, “to speak in one’s defense”), from ἀπόλογος (apólogos, “an account, story”), compound of ἀπο- (apo-, “from, off”) and λόγος (lógos, “speech”); compare also ἀπολογίζομαι (apologízomai, “to render an account”).

1. To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends

   “My correspondent apologized for not answering my letter.”

   “Barnes was commanded, with Garrett and Jerome, to make a public acknowledgment of his errors; and to apologize especially for his insolent language to Gardiner”

2. To express regret that a certain event has occurred.
3. To make an apologia or defense; to act as apologist.

   “To this purpose the most witty, cautious and subtile ſort of the Pagans apologize for themselves”