Main Entry: ad·min·is·ter

Pronunciation: \əd-ˈmi-nə-stər\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ad·min·is·tered; ad·min·is·ter·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology: Middle English administren, from Anglo-French administrer, from Latin administrare, from ad- + ministrare to serve, from minister servant — more at minister

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of <administer a trust fund>
2 a : to mete out : dispense <administer punishment> b : to give ritually <administer the last rites> c : to give remedially <administer a dose of medicine>intransitive verb 1 : to perform the office of administrator
2 : to furnish a benefit : minister <administer to an ailing friend>
3 : to manage affairs

— ad·min·is·tra·ble \-strə-bəl\ adjective

— ad·min·is·trant \-strənt\ noun