What does "administer" mean?
To apportion out, distribute.
Administer
/ədˈmɪn.ɪ.stə/ verb
verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To apportion out, distribute.
- Grammar: administer is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: dispense, abide by, accord, adhere to.
- Useful contrasts: deny, disorganize, ignore.
- Usage evidence: The syringe is the instrument most commonly used to administer insulin.
How to use "administer"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "administer" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "administer" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "administer" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "administer" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "administer" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "dispense" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "administer", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To apportion out, distribute. transitive
"[Let zephyrs] administer their tepid, genial airs."
- 2 give or apply (medications) wordnet
- 3 To manage or supervise the conduct, performance or execution of; to govern or regulate the parameters for the conduct, performance or execution of; to work in an administrative capacity. transitive
"For forms of government let fools contest: / Whate'er is best administered is best."
- 4 administer or bestow, as in small portions wordnet
- 5 To minister (to). intransitive
"administering to the sick"
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 perform (a church sacrament) ritually wordnet
- 7 To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor.
- 8 work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of wordnet
- 9 To give, as an oath.
"Swear […] to keep the oath that we administer."
- 10 direct the taking of wordnet
- 11 To give (a drug, to a patient), be it orally or by any other means. transitive
"We administered the medicine to our dog by mixing it in his food."
- 12 To cause (a patient, human or animal) to ingest (a drug), either by openly offering or through deceit. transitive
"A noxious drug had been administered to him."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The syringe is the instrument most commonly used to administer insulin."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "administer"?
Common synonyms include: dispense, abide by, accord, adhere to, administer justice, administrate.
How do you use "administer" in a sentence?
The syringe is the instrument most commonly used to administer insulin.
How do you pronounce "administer"?
Pronounced /ədˈmɪn.ɪ.stə/.
Etymology
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.