Administer

Definition

Administer means to manage, oversee, or supervise the execution of something, such as a program, organization, or medication. It also refers to the act of providing or applying a treatment, drug, or remedy.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ədˈmɪnɪstər/
• Respelling: ad-MIN-uh-stur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ədˈmɪnɪstə/
• Respelling: ad-MIN-uh-stuh

The pronunciation of "administer" varies slightly between American and British English, with a different ending sound.

Etymology

The word "administer" originates from the Latin "administrare," meaning "to serve" or "to manage," from "ad-" (to) and "ministrare" (to attend or serve). It entered Middle English from Old French as "administrer" and evolved to mean "to manage or provide service."

Derivatives

• Administration (noun)
• Administrator (noun)
• Administered (verb, past tense)
• Administering (verb, present participle)
• Readminister (verb)

Synonyms

• Manage
• Oversee
• Dispense

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Mismanage
• Withhold

Usage

The term "administer" is widely used in various contexts, such as in management, medicine, and law. In management, it refers to overseeing operations or the implementation of policies. In medical settings, "to administer" means to give a medication or treatment directly to a patient. It is also used in legal contexts where duties, oaths, or justice are administered by authorized officials.

Related Terms

• Management: The process of dealing with or controlling people or things.
• Dispensation: The act of distributing or providing something.
• Execution: The act of carrying out or putting into effect.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To manage or oversee the operations of something: Refers to the act of organizing, controlling, or supervising.
  • Example: "She was chosen to administer the program effectively."
• To dispense or provide medication, treatment, or help: Used in medical contexts where treatment is directly given to individuals.
  • Example: "The nurse will administer the vaccine to each patient."
• To apply or give an oath or justice: Used in legal contexts where an authority enforces or ensures adherence to laws or procedures.
  • Example: "The judge administered the oath before the witness testified."