What does "administer" mean?

1. (to manage or govern) to manage the work of an organization or to be responsible for how something is run. 2. (to give medicine) to give a medical treatment or drug to someone. 3. (to give a test or oath) to officially give someone a test, a punishment, or a formal promise like an oath. 4. (to manage a will) to deal with the money and property of someone who has died.

How do you use "administer"?

Often used in the context of government, law, or large corporate structures. Usually takes a direct object (the drug) and often uses the preposition 'to' for the recipient. Commonly collocates with 'oath', 'test', 'justice', or 'punishment'.

administer

US //ədˈmɪnəstɝ// UK //ɐdmˈɪnɪstɐ// ad·min·is·ter

1 to manage or govern (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

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.

Example

The university has a dedicated team to administer the new scholarship program.

Example

The civil service was tasked to administer the relief funds efficiently to ensure they reached the most vulnerable populations before winter.

Usage

Often used in the context of government, law, or large corporate structures.
2 to give medicine (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

to give a medical treatment or drug to someone.

to dispense or apply a remedy or drug to a patient.

Example

The nurse will administer the vaccine once you have signed the form.

Example

Paramedics are trained to administer life-saving medication in high-pressure environments before the patient reaches the hospital.

Usage

Usually takes a direct object (the drug) and often uses the preposition 'to' for the recipient.

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3 to give a test or oath (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

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.

Example

The teacher will administer the final exam at the end of the month.

Example

The Chief Justice arrived to administer the oath of office to the newly elected president during the ceremony.

Usage

Commonly collocates with 'oath', 'test', 'justice', or 'punishment'.
4 to manage a will (v.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Law

to deal with the money and property of someone who has died.

to manage and settle the estate of a deceased person.

Example

It took several months for the lawyers to administer the complex estate.

Example

The executor was granted the legal authority to administer the estate and distribute the assets according to the deceased's final wishes.
- settle
- handle

Origin

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.