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."
"A small committee administers the village hall and handles all its bookings."
2
To give someone a drug, treatment, or dose.
"The nurse administered the vaccine with practiced ease."
"Only a trained person should administer the medicine to a small child."
"The vet administered a painkiller to the injured dog."
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like administer.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- administers
- Past tense
- administered
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."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
What is the difference between "administer" and "manage"?
Both describe overseeing something, but "administer" often carries a more formal, official tone, especially for organizations, programs, or sets of rules, while "manage" is more general and can apply to everyday oversight of tasks or people.
What is the difference between "administer" and "administrate"?
The two words mean essentially the same thing, but "administer" is far more common in everyday and professional English, while "administrate" is a rarer, more formal-sounding variant.
Can "administer" be used for giving medicine as well as running an organization?
Yes, "administer" has two distinct senses: one meaning to manage, oversee, or run something such as an organization or program, and another meaning to give someone a drug, treatment, or dose.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include administer:
