administer
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to manage (affairs, a government, etc.); have executive charge of.
to administer the law.
-
to bring into use or operation: to administer last rites.
to administer justice;
to administer last rites.
-
to make application of; give.
to administer medicine.
-
to supervise the formal taking of (an oath or the like).
-
Law. to manage or dispose of, as a decedent's estate by an executor or administrator or a trust estate by a trustee.
verb (used without object)
-
to contribute assistance; bring aid or supplies (usually followed byto ).
to administer to those in need of aid.
-
to perform the duties of an administrator.
She administers quite effectively.
verb
-
(also intr) to direct or control (the affairs of a business, government, etc)
-
to put into execution; dispense
administer justice
-
to give or apply (medicine, assistance, etc) as a remedy or relief
-
to apply formally; perform
to administer extreme unction
-
to supervise or impose the taking of (an oath, etc)
-
to manage or distribute (an estate, property, etc)
Synonym Usage
See rule.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
self-administeredadjective
-
nonadministrantadjective
-
administrantnoun
-
well-administeredadjective
-
self-administeringadjective
-
unadministeredadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have administeredperfect
-
has administeredperfect 3rd person singular
-
has been administeringperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
is administeringprogressive 3rd person singular
-
have been administeringperfect progressive
-
are administeringprogressive
-
administerssingular 3rd person
-
am administeringprogressive 1st person singular
-
administeringparticiple
Past
-
had administeredperfect
-
had been administeringperfect progressive
-
was administeringprogressive singular
-
administeredparticiple
-
administeredsimple
-
were administeringprogressive plural
Future
Etymology
Origin of administer
First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin administrāre “to assist, carry out, manage the affairs of” ( see ad-, minister); replacing Middle English amynistre (with a- 5 ), from Middle French aministrer
Explanation
When you administer something, you give it to others. This can apply to a dose of medicine, an order, a survey, or a punishment. Administer can also mean to run something — such as a school or an office. The word administer belongs to a family of words, all having to do with being in charge: administration, administrator, and administrative. Strangely, administer comes from the Latin word minister meaning "servant." So, if your boss or principal administers an instruction that you disagree with, just think of that person as your servant. Doing so will help you carry out your duties with a smile.
Vocabulary lists containing administer
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Food and Drug Administer for authorization of a third dose and the U.S. government said last month boosters would likely be available in late September.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2021
EPA Administer Gina McCarthy simply says, “This is a big deal.”
From Time • Oct. 9, 2015
Administer an antihistamine to help the dog breathe.
From Time Magazine Archive
"Administer these to yourself, and let him have the money."
From Time Magazine Archive
Administer, in the drinking water or feed, 2 drams of the iodid of potassium twice a day for several weeks if necessary.
From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
