apologize

apologize
    v 1: acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing; "I
         apologized for being late"; "He apologized for the many
         typoes" [syn: {apologize}, {apologise}]
    2: defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by
       reasoning; "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy
       behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success" [syn:
       {apologize}, {apologise}, {excuse}, {justify}, {rationalize},
       {rationalise}]
    

Apologize \A*pol"o*gize\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Apologized}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Apologizing}.] [Cf. F. apologiser.]
   1. To make an apology or defense. --Dr. H. More.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. 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.

   Syn: apologize, excuse, justify, rationalize
        [1913 Webster]

              To apologize for his insolent language. --Froude.
        [1913 Webster]
    

Apologize \A*pol"o*gize\, v. t.
   To defend. [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]

         The Christians . . . were apologized by Plinie. --Dr.
                                                  G. Benson.
   [1913 Webster]
    

APOLOGIZE, v.i.  To lay the foundation for a future offence.
    

25 Moby Thesaurus words for "apologize":
      alibi, alibi out of, apologize for, ask forgiveness,
      beg indulgence, beg pardon, cover with excuses, defend, do penance,
      espouse, excuse, express regret, justify, lie out of,
      make apology for, offer excuse for, plead guilty, plead ignorance,
      reform, repent, squirm out of, take back, think better of,
      vindicate, worm out of