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

Even one of his 10 wives was supposedly paid to administer toxins.

Read more on BBC

As a result, therapies based on this nanoflower technology might only need to be administered about once a month.

Read more on Science Daily

Australian health officials are promoting free flu vaccinations for children that don’t require an injection, but are administered by nasal spray.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These early-stage trials are designed to determine whether a treatment can be safely administered.

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After administering the nanodrops to mice with glioblastoma, they observed the particles traveling along the pathway of the main nerve connecting the facial region to the brain.

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Related Words

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