verb
administer
uhd-MIHN-ih-stuh
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 notesIn 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
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
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."