[syn: apologize, apologise, excuse, justify, rationalize, rationalise]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Apologize \A*pol"o*gize\, v. t.
To defend. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
The Christians . . . were apologized by Plinie. --Dr.
G. Benson.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
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]
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):
APOLOGIZE, v.i. To lay the foundation for a future offence.