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

"However, we still need to determine whether D-Cys could be administered at effective doses in humans without causing harm."

From Science Daily

Autism therapy can include teaching young children to follow directions, practicing chores or honing communication skills, and is mostly administered by registered behavior technicians, the lower-wage workers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite administering many of his father’s affairs and nurturing relations with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Khamenei remains a largely mysterious figure to Iranians.

From The Wall Street Journal

Typically, they hire benefits firms or insurance companies just to administer their plans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Private insurers administering Medicaid benefits paid hundreds of millions more.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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