apologize

To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends

My correspondent apologized for not answering my letter.

Barnes was commanded, with Garrett and Jerome, to make a public acknowledgment of his errors; and to apologize especially for his insolent language to Gardiner

To express regret that a certain event has occurred.

To make an apologia or defense; to act as apologist.

To this purpose the most witty, cautious and subtile ſort of the Pagans apologize for themselves