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verb Uncommon

administer

uhd-MIHN-ih-stuh

Administer (verb) means to manage, oversee, or run something, such as an organization, program, or set of rules. Example: “She administers the company's health insurance program.”

verb
1
To manage, oversee, or run something, such as an organization, program, or set of rules.
"She administers the company's health insurance program."
"The charity administers grants to small local projects."
2
To give someone a drug, treatment, or dose.
"The nurse administered the vaccine with practiced ease."

How to Use Administer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo manage or oversee something, or to give someone medicine or treatment.

Common pairings
administer a test administer medication administer justice

Word Forms

administered past tense, administers singular

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Test yourself on “administer” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ the company's health insurance program.

Etymology

From Latin administrare, "to manage, to serve," from ad- ("to") plus ministrare ("to attend, to serve") — the same root as "minister."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for administer

See all rhymes for administer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “administer” mean?

The word “administer” means to manage, oversee, or run something, such as an organization, program, or set of rules. In plain terms, to manage or oversee something, or to give someone medicine or treatment.

How do you pronounce “administer”?

“Administer” is pronounced uhd-MIHN-ih-stuh (/ədˈmɪn.ɪ.stɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “administer” in a sentence?

Here is “administer” used in a sentence: “She administers the company's health insurance program.”

What part of speech is “administer”?

“Administer” is a verb.

Where does the word “administer” come from?

The word “administer” comes from Latin. From Latin administrare, "to manage, to serve," from ad- ("to") plus ministrare ("to attend, to serve") — the same root as "minister.".

Is “administer” a common word?

“Administer” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “administer” have?

“Administer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to manage, oversee, or run something, such as an organization, program, or set of rules.

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