First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
administer
verb ad·min·is·ter \əd-ˈmi-nə-stər\
: to manage the operation of (something, such as a company or government) or the use of (something, such as property)
: to provide or apply (something, such as justice) : to put (something) into effect
: to give or present (something) officially or as part of a ceremony
ad·min·is·teredad·min·is·ter·ing\-st(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of ADMINISTER
transitive verb
1
: to manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of <administer a trust fund>
2
a : to mete out : dispense <administer punishment> b : to give ritually <administer the last rites> c : to give remedially <administer a dose of medicine>
intransitive verb
1
: to perform the office of administrator
2
: to furnish a benefit : minister <administer to an ailing friend>
3
: to manage affairs
— ad·min·is·tra·ble \-strə-bəl\ adjective
— ad·min·is·trant \-strənt\ noun
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Origin of ADMINISTER
Middle English administren, from Anglo-French administrer, from Latin administrare, from ad- + ministrare to serve, from minister servant — more at minister
Related to ADMINISTER
- Synonyms
- allocate, apportion, deal (out), dispense, distribute, dole out, hand out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate
- Antonyms
- misallocate
ADMINISTER Defined for Kids
administer
verb ad·min·is·ter \əd-ˈmi-nə-stər\
ad·min·is·teredad·min·is·ter·ing
Definition of ADMINISTER for Kids
1
: to be in charge of : manage <She administers an athletic program.>
2
: to give out as deserved <administer justice>
3
: to give officially <administer an oath> <The teacher administered the test.>
4
: to give or supply as treatment <administer medicine>
Medical Dictionary
administer
transitive verb ad·min·is·ter \əd-ˈmin-ə-stər\
ad·min·is·teredad·min·ister·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\
Medical Definition of ADMINISTER
: to give (as medicine) remedially <the antibiotic may be administered orally or by injection>
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