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

While individual US states administer the benefits, the programme relies on money from the federal government, which has been unfunded and shut down since 1 October.

Read more on BBC

Bonds later testified that he had been administered steroids unwittingly by Anderson, believing they had been flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm.

Read more on Barron's

These changes would ensure that the disability system “remains current” and can be more efficiently administered, Mackey said, while also promoting “dignity in work.”

Read more on Salon

CalFresh is funded by the federal government, run by the state Department of Social Services and administered locally.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The states administer the benefits, using money from the federal government, which has been unfunded and shut down since 1 October.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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