What does "apologize" mean?

Apologize: To make an apology or excuse; to make acknowledgment of some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends; -- with for; as, my correspondent apologized for not answering my letter. To apologize for his insolent language. Froude.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To defend. [Obs.] The Christians . . . were apologized by Plinie. Dr. G. Benson.

Sources