administer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of
    administrate.
    • administer a program
    • she administers the funds
  2. verb perform (a church sacrament) ritually
    • administer the last unction
  3. verb administer or bestow, as in small portions
    dish out; deal; parcel out; dispense; distribute; dole out; allot; lot; deal out; mete out; shell out.
    • administer critical remarks to everyone present
    • dole out some money
    • shell out pocket money for the children
    • deal a blow to someone
    • the machine dispenses soft drinks
  4. verb give or apply (medications)
    dispense.
  5. verb direct the taking of
    • administer an exam
    • administer an oath

WordNet

Ad*min"is*ter transitive verb
Etymology
OE. aministren, OF. aministrer, F. administer, fr. L. administrare; ad + ministrare to serve. See Minister.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Administered present participle & verbal noun Administering
Definitions
  1. To manage or conduct, as public affairs; to direct or superintend the execution, application, or conduct of; as, to administer the government or the state.
    For forms of government let fools contest: Whate'er is best administered is best. Pope.
  2. To dispense; to serve out; to supply; execute; as, to administer relief, to administer the sacrament.
    [Let zephyrs] administer their tepid, genial airs. Philips.
    Justice was administered with an exactness and purity not before known. Macaulay.
  3. To apply, as medicine or a remedy; to give, as a dose or something beneficial or suitable. Extended to a blow, a reproof, etc.
    A noxious drug had been administered to him. Macaulay.
  4. To tender, as an oath.
    Swear . . . to keep the oath that we administer. Shak.
  5. (Law) To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor. Syn. -- To manage; conduct; minister; supply; dispense; give out; distribute; furnish.
Ad*min"is*ter intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To contribute; to bring aid or supplies; to conduce; to minister.
    A fountain . . . administers to the pleasure as well as the plenty of the place. Spectator.
  2. (Law) To perform the office of administrator; to act officially; as, A administers upon the estate of B.
Ad*min"is*ter noun
Definitions
  1. Administrator. Obs. Bacon.

Webster 1913