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to offer an or excuse for some fault, insult, failure, or injury:
He apologized for accusing her falsely.
to make a formal defense in speech or writing.
Contemporary Examples

A restaurant has apologised after a toddler was served whisky instead of fruit juice at his birthday party.
Never Too Young, Apparently David Frum October 10, 2012

Historical Examples

Mabel apologised for interrupting them, and begged that they would not mind her presence at all.
Hollowmell E.R. Burden

My companion started, apologised for detaining me, and prepared to retire.
The Madonna of the Future Henry James

“Then I have made a big mistake,” apologised the ever-courteous detective.
Initials Only Anna Katharine Green

It was the first evening she had not dressed for dinner and she at once apologised to Madame.
Master of the Vineyard Myrtle Reed

Again Ruth burst into silvery laughter, but checked it and apologised.
The Young Trawler R.M. Ballantyne

James apologised to the stranger, saying he would not trouble him.
The Gilpins and their Fortunes William H. G. Kingston

I stopped and apologised to him; he replied in an unmistakable English accent, thus putting the matter almost beyond doubt.
St. Ives Robert Louis Stevenson

I apologised for the lateness of my call, and entered at once on business.
Much Darker Days Andrew Lang (AKA A. Huge Longway)

The latter drew slighting comparisons, and remembered that he was the only one who ever apologised.
Tales and Fantasies Robert Louis Stevenson

verb (intransitive)
to express or make an apology; acknowledge failings or faults
to make a formal defence in speech or writing
v.

1590s, “to speak in defense of;” see apology + -ize. Main modern sense “to regretfully acknowledge” is attested by 1725. The Greek equivalent, apologizesthai, meant simply “to give an account.” Related: Apologized; apologizing.