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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

Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) apologizes to BP Some of Hayward’s toughest critics, however, don’t lag that far behind Barton.
BP’s Biggest Congressional Hypocrites Benjamin Sarlin June 19, 2010

Nick McDonell apologizes for postponing our appointment—by three and a half hours—due to an unheard alarm clock.
Mea Culpa, Kiddo Marty Beckerman August 13, 2009

Gollum is extremely sorry, and he apologizes to Bilbo over and over again.
Happy Birthday, ‘The Hobbit’: The History of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Book Corey Olsen September 20, 2012

She apologizes profusely, curls up across from me, and begins to, as she calls it, gab.
‘Daily Show’ Creator Lizz Winstead Is the Queen of Calling Bullshit Caitlin Dickson December 22, 2013

So in the spirit of civility, I’ll just say I hope Keith recognizes that he screwed up and apologizes.
Olbermann Should Apologize Howard Kurtz November 4, 2010

Historical Examples

The Andalusian apologizes to you for not wearing a coat and round hat.
The Cross of Berny Emile de Girardin

“He apologizes for coming in with a weapon in his hand,” I said, dazedly.
Tales of Unrest Joseph Conrad

He apologizes, and the vixen consents to try and bring the prey within reach again.
The Strand Magazine Various

“He apologizes for the defects of philosophy,” said Father Letheby.
My New Curate P.A. Sheehan

Franklin apologizes for speaking in his autobiography of such trifles.
Benjamin Franklin, A Picture of the Struggles of Our Infant Nation One Hundred Years Ago John S. C. Abbott

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.