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definitions

administer

[ ad-min-uh-ster ]
/ ædˈmɪn ə stər /
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verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

to contribute assistance; bring aid or supplies (usually followed by to): to administer to the poor.
to perform the duties of an administrator: She administers quite effectively.

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RELATED WORDS

execute, oversee, supervise, conduct, direct, govern, administrate, authorize, impose, extend, give, provide, serve, distribute, deliver, disburse, perform, apply, regulate, control

Nearby words

admete, admetus, admin, admin., adminicle, administer, administered price, administerial, administrable, administrate, administration

Origin of administer

1325–75; < Latin administrāre to assist, carry out, manage the affairs of (see ad-, minister); replacing Middle English amynistre (with a-5) < Middle French aministrer
Related forms

Synonym study

1. See rule.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for administer

British Dictionary definitions for administer

administer

/ (ədˈmɪnɪstə) /

verb (mainly tr)

(also intr) to direct or control (the affairs of a business, government, etc)
to put into execution; dispenseadminister justice
(when intr, foll by to) to give or apply (medicine, assistance, etc) as a remedy or relief
to apply formally; performto administer extreme unction
to supervise or impose the taking of (an oath, etc)
to manage or distribute (an estate, property, etc)

Word Origin for administer

C14: amynistre, via Old French from Latin administrare, from ad- to + ministrāre to minister
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for administer

administer

v.

late 14c., administren, aministren "to manage as a steward," from Old French amenistrer "help, aid, be of service to" (12c., Modern French administrer, the -d- restored 16c.), and directly from Latin administrare "manage, control, guide, superintend; rule direct," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + ministrare "serve" (see minister (v.)). Used of medicine, etc., "to give," from 1540s. Related: Administered; administering.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper