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definitions

administer

[ad-min-uh-ster]
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR administer ON THESAURUS.COM

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

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 formsad·min·is·trant [ad-min-uh-struhnt] /ædˈmɪn ə strənt/, nounnon·ad·min·is·trant, adjectiveself-ad·min·is·tered, adjectiveself-ad·min·is·ter·ing, adjectiveun·ad·min·is·tered, adjectivewell-ad·min·is·tered, adjective

Synonyms for administer

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR administer ON THESAURUS.COM
1. conduct, control, execute; direct, superintend, supervise, oversee. 2. distribute, supply, furnish.

Synonym study

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

Examples from the Web for administering

Contemporary Examples of administering

Historical Examples of administering

  • But I have not what is necessary for administering the last sacraments.

  • That justice it is my joy to feel that my hand has brought its administering about.

    The Golden Woman

    Ridgwell Cullum

  • Administering reproof and punishment for offences as they occur.

    The Teacher

    Jacob Abbott

  • Fuseli thought the occasion a worthy one for administering a rebuke.

    Art in England

    Dutton Cook

  • A more insulting method of administering a rebuke could not have been devised.

    John Quincy Adams

    John. T. Morse

British Dictionary definitions for administering

administer

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 administering

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