administer

[ad-min-uh-ster]

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.

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

/ 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)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of administer¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of administer¹

C14: amynistre, via Old French from Latin administrare, from ad- to + ministrāre to _minister

Synonym Study

See rule.

Example Sentences

The California Air Resources Board administers its own state-level greenhouse gas reporting program that in some ways exceeds that of the federal program now on the chopping block.

From Los Angeles Times

The money had been paid to a "business group", with a bank account set up and administered by Ms Fieldhouse and another local Conservative volunteer.

From BBC

Weight loss drugs are administered via a weekly injection and make patients feel fuller for a longer time, reducing their appetite and overall food intake.

From BBC

"Then you've got stigma. People are made to feel it's not for them or they don't trust the organisation administering that support."

From BBC

They also highlighted the fact that ibogaine can cause heart problems such as cardiac arrhythmia and needs to be administered under strict medical supervision.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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