Pronunciation: ə d- ' mi-n ə -st ə r
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -is · tered ; -is · ter · ing \ -st( ə -)ri ŋ \
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 \ -str ə -b ə l \ adjective
– ad · min · is · trant \ -str ə nt \ noun