apologize vs defend

apologize and defend both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apologize	No	No	Yes	No
defend	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, defend is a hypernym of apologize; that is, defend is a word with a broader meaning than apologize:

Other hypernyms of apologize include fend for, support.

apologize (verb)	defend (verb)
acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing	argue or speak in defense of
defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning	state or assert
	be on the defensive; act against an attack
	protect against a challenge or attack
	protect or fight for as a champion
	fight against or resist strongly
	be the defense counsel for someone in a trial