administer

American  

[ad-min-uh-ster] / ædˈmɪn ə stər /

verb (used with object)

1. to manage (affairs, a government, etc.); have executive charge of.

   to administer the law.

   Synonyms:

   oversee, supervise, superintend, run, manage, direct, control, conduct

2. to bring into use or operation: to administer last rites.

   to administer justice;

   to administer last rites.

   Synonyms:

   supply, provide, furnish

3. to make application of; give.

   to administer medicine.

4. to supervise the formal taking of (an oath or the like).

5. Law. to manage or dispose of, as a decedent's estate by an executor or administrator or a trust estate by a trustee.

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verb (used without object)

1. to contribute assistance; bring aid or supplies (usually followed byto ).

   to administer to those in need of aid.

2. to perform the duties of an administrator.

   She administers quite effectively.

administer British  

/ ədˈmɪnɪstə /

verb

1. (also intr) to direct or control (the affairs of a business, government, etc)

2. to put into execution; dispense

   administer justice

3. to give or apply (medicine, assistance, etc) as a remedy or relief

4. to apply formally; perform

   to administer extreme unction

5. to supervise or impose the taking of (an oath, etc)

6. to manage or distribute (an estate, property, etc)

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Related Words

See rule.

Other Word Forms

• administrant noun
• nonadministrant adjective
• self-administered adjective
• self-administering adjective
• unadministered adjective
• well-administered adjective

Etymology

Origin of administer

First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin administrāre “to assist, carry out, manage the affairs of” ( ad-, minister ); replacing Middle English amynistre (with a- ⁵ ), from Middle French aministrer

Example Sentences

The union said it was taking steps to establish a cricket programme administered directly by the Students' Union for students not involved in the reported behaviour.

From BBC

An integrative vet from Long Island who administers both medical and natural treatments, she runs a virtual support group called the Dog Mom Society.

From The Wall Street Journal

While the program is federally funded, it is administered at the state level.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, he said, he has concerns about the cost of administering the tax outpacing revenues, especially amid litigation.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2017, 10-year-old Milly Main was recovering well from a stem cell transplant at the children's hospital when she picked up an infection from an intravenous line used to administer drugs.

From BBC

Related Words

• apply
• authorize
• deliver
• disburse
• distribute
• execute
• extend
• give
• impose
• perform
• provide
• regulate
• serve