Entry Word: administer

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to give out (something) in appropriate amounts or to appropriate individuals <the principal administers discipline fairly when students break the rules>

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

Related Words allot, allow, appropriate, assign, dish (out), divide, measure (out), ration, redistribute, split; bestow, disburse, furnish, issue, provide, share, supply; circulate, disperse, disseminate, scatter, spread; chip in, contribute, donate, pledge

Near Antonyms begrudge, deny, deprive (of), pinch, refuse, skimp, stint, withhold

2 to carry out effectively <local officials should see that the fair housing laws are rigorously administered> — see enforce
3 to look after and make decisions about <the lieutenant governor administers the affairs of the state in the absence of the governor> — see conduct 1