administer
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to manage the work of an organization or to be responsible for how something is run.
to manage or supervise the execution, conduct, or performance of an organization or process.
Simple“The university has a dedicated team to administer the new scholarship program.”
In context“The civil service was tasked to administer the relief funds efficiently to ensure they reached the most vulnerable populations before winter.”
UsageOften used in the context of government, law, or large corporate structures.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to give a medical treatment or drug to someone.
to dispense or apply a remedy or drug to a patient.
Simple“The nurse will administer the vaccine once you have signed the form.”
In context“Paramedics are trained to administer life-saving medication in high-pressure environments before the patient reaches the hospital.”
UsageUsually takes a direct object (the drug) and often uses the preposition 'to' for the recipient.
- 03 C1 Advanced
to officially give someone a test, a punishment, or a formal promise like an oath.
to carry out the formal delivery of a ritual, requirement, or penalty.
Simple“The teacher will administer the final exam at the end of the month.”
In context“The Chief Justice arrived to administer the oath of office to the newly elected president during the ceremony.”
UsageCommonly collocates with 'oath', 'test', 'justice', or 'punishment'.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
to deal with the money and property of someone who has died.
to manage and settle the estate of a deceased person.
Simple“It took several months for the lawyers to administer the complex estate.”
In context“The executor was granted the legal authority to administer the estate and distribute the assets according to the deceased's final wishes.”
“These include fewer vaccinations overall and a recommendation that the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine be replaced with separate shots for each disease administered during separate medical visits.”
“The administration’s Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations also advocate for separating the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three single-disease shots that would be administered during separate medical appointments.”
From Middle English administren, from Old French aminister, from Latin administrare (“to manage, execute”), from ad (“to”) + ministrare (“to attend, serve”), from minister (“servant”); see minister.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.