administer

ad·min·is·ter

verb \əd-ˈmi-nə-stər\

ad·min·is·teredad·min·is·ter·ing\-st(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of ADMINISTER

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

Examples of ADMINISTER

1. As a cost-saving measure, voters have elected to have the two towns administered jointly.
2. The UN personnel are there to help administer the territory.
3. She's been hired to administer the fund.
4. The assistant will administer the test.
5. a priest to administer the sacraments

Origin of ADMINISTER

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ADMINISTER

Synonyms: allocate, apportion, deal (out), dispense, distribute, dole out, hand out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate

Antonyms: misallocate

Related Words: admeasure, allot, allow, appropriate, assign, dish out, divide, divvy (up), dollop (out), lot, measure (out), part, proportion, ration, redistribute, set, share (out), split; bestow, disburse, furnish, issue, provide, share, supply; circulate, disperse, disseminate, scatter, spread; chip in, contribute, donate, pledge; reallocate, reapportion

Near Antonyms: begrudge, decline, deny, deprive (of), disallow, refuse, reject, withhold; niggle (out), pinch, skimp, stint

see all synonyms and antonyms

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