Definition

1. Verb:
   • To manage, supervise, or be in charge of the operation or execution of something: This is the most common meaning, referring to overseeing systems, organizations, or processes.
   • To give or apply something formally or officially: This meaning involves the direct provision of something, such as a test, an oath, medicine, or justice.
   • To dispense or distribute, especially in portions: This meaning focuses on the act of doling out or allocating something, often aid or resources.

Examples of Usage

• To manage or supervise:
  • She was hired to administer the new community program.
  • A board of directors administers the charitable foundation.
• To give or apply formally:
  • The nurse will administer the vaccine at 10 a.m.
  • The judge administered the oath to the witness.
• To dispense or distribute:
  • The organization administers aid to refugees.
  • The fund administers grants to young artists.

Advanced Usage

• "Administer to": This phrasal construction means to attend to the needs of someone or something, often in a caregiving or ministerial context. It is more formal.
  • Volunteers administered to the wounded after the disaster.
  • The priest administered to his congregation.

Variants and Related Words

• Administration (n): The process or activity of managing and organizing the operations of a business, institution, or system.
  • The administration of the university is handled by the chancellor's office.
• Administrative (adj): Relating to the management and organization of a system or institution.
  • He handles administrative tasks like scheduling and budgeting.
• Administrator (n): A person responsible for managing and organizing operations.
  • The school administrator implemented the new policy.

Synonyms

• Manage: To be in charge of, control, or organize.
• Oversee: To supervise a process or work.
• Dispense: To distribute or provide a service or item.
• Execute: To carry out or put into effect.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Administer to: As described in 'Advanced Usage', meaning to minister care or attention to.
  • Doctors and nurses administered to the patients throughout the night.

Related Idioms

• Administer a rebuke: To formally deliver a sharp criticism or reprimand.
  • The committee administered a stern rebuke to the department for its overspending.
• Administer the last rites: A specific religious idiom meaning to perform the final sacraments for a dying person.
  • The family requested a priest to administer the last rites.

Verb

1. direct the taking of
   • administer an exam
   • administer an oath
2. give or apply (medications)
3. administer or bestow, as in small portions
   • administer critical remarks to everyone present
   • dole out some money
   • shell out pocket money for the children
   • deal a blow to someone
   • the machine dispenses soft drinks
4. perform (a church sacrament) ritually
   • administer the last unction
5. work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of
   • administer a program
   • she administers the funds