[ad.min.is.ter] vb -is.tered ; -is.ter.ing [ME administren, fr. MF administrer, fr. L administrare, fr. ad- + ministrare to serve, fr. minister servant--more at minister] vt (14c) 1: to manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of "~ a trust fund"
2. a: to mete out: dispense "~ punishment" b: to give ritually "~ the last rites" c: to give remedially "~ a dose of medicine" ~ vi 1: to perform the office of administrator
2: to furnish a benefit: minister "~ to an ailing friend"
3: to manage affairs -- ad.min.is.tra.ble adj -- ad.min.is.trant n