apologize

[ uh-pol-uh-jahyz ]
See synonyms for: apologizeapologizing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),a·pol·o·gized, a·pol·o·giz·ing.
  1. to offer an apology or excuse for some fault, insult, failure, or injury: He apologized for accusing her falsely.

  2. to make a formal defense in speech or writing.

Origin of apologize

1
First recorded in 1590–1600; apolog(y) + -ize
  • Also especially British, a·pol·o·gise .

Other words from apologize

  • a·pol·o·giz·er, noun
  • re·a·pol·o·gize, verb (used with object), re·a·pol·o·gized, re·a·pol·o·giz·ing.
  • un·a·pol·o·giz·ing, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use apologize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for apologize

apologize

apologise

/ (əˈpɒləˌdʒaɪz) /


verb(intr)
  1. to express or make an apology; acknowledge failings or faults

  2. to make a formal defence in speech or writing

Derived forms of apologize

  • apologizer or apologiser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012