ad|min|is|ter

ad|min|is|ter «ad MIHN uh stuhr», transitive verb.

1. to manage the affairs of; control (a country, city, business, household, office, or club) on behalf of others; direct: »

The Secretary of Defense administers a department of the government. A housewife administers her household.

SYNONYM(S): conduct, manage.

2. to give out; apply; dispense: »

The coach administered first aid to the injured player. The priest administered the last rites to the dying man. Judges administer justice and punishment.

3. to deliver or bestow (a blow, rebuke, or advice to a person or animal).

4. to offer formally: »

to administer the oath of allegiance. The witness could not testify until the judge had administered an oath to him to tell the truth.

SYNONYM(S): tender.

5. to settle or take charge of (an estate, trust, or other property) as administrator, executor, or trustee.

6. to control (prices or wages) without regard to the normal pressures of supply and demand; stabilize.

–v.i.

1. to be helpful; add something; contribute; minister (to): »

to administer to a person's comfort or pleasure. The government administered to the needs of the flood victims.

2. Law. to act officially as administrator, executor, or trustee.

╂[< Old French aministrer, learned borrowing from Latin administrāre, ultimately < ad- to + minister servant]