Administer
Pronunciation
- US IPA: /ədˈmɪnɪstɚ/
Alternative forms
- administre obsolete
Origin
From Middle English admynistren, from Old French aminister, from Latin administrare ("to manage, execute"), from ad ("to") + ministrare ("to attend, serve"), from minister ("servant"); see minister.
Full definition of administer
Verb
- (transitive) To cause to take, either by openly offering or through deceit.We administered the medicine to our dog by mixing it in his food.
- MacaulayA noxious drug had been administered to him.
- (transitive) To apportion out.
- SpectatorA fountain ... administers to the pleasure as well as the plenty of the place.
- MacaulayJustice was administered with an exactness and purity not before known.
- Philipszephyrs administer their tepid, genial airs.
- (transitive) To manage or supervise the conduct, performance or execution of; to govern or regulate the parameters for the conduct, performance or execution of; to work in an administrative capacity.
- Alexander PopeFor forms of government let fools contest:
Whate'er is best administered is best. - (intransitive) To minister (to).administering to the sick
- (legal) To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor.
- To tender, as an oath.
- ShakespeareSwear ... to keep the oath that we administer.