apologize

(verb) acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing. Synonyms: apologise. Examples: "I apologized for being late." "He apologized for the many typoes."

(verb) defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning. Synonyms: apologise, excuse, justify, rationalize, rationalise. Examples: "Rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior." "He rationalized his lack of success."