1  definition  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Administer  \Ad*min"is*ter\,  v.  t.  [imp.  &  p.  p.  {Administered}; 
  p.  pr  &  vb  n.  {Administering}.]  [OE.  aministren  OF 
  aministrer  F.  administer,  fr  L.  administrare;  ad  + 
  ministrare  to  serve.  See  {Minister}.] 
  1.  To  manage  or  conduct,  as  public  affairs;  to  direct  or 
  superintend  the  execution,  application,  or  conduct  of  as 
  to  administer  the  government  or  the  state. 
 
  For  forms  of  government  let  fools  contest:  Whate'er 
  is  best  administered  is  best.  --Pope. 
 
  2.  To  dispense;  to  serve  out  to  supply;  execute;  as  to 
  administer  relief,  to  administer  the  sacrament. 
 
  [Let  zephyrs]  administer  their  tepid,  genial  airs. 
  --Philips. 
 
  Justice  was  administered  with  an  exactness  and 
  purity  not  before  known  --Macaulay. 
 
  3.  To  apply,  as  medicine  or  a  remedy;  to  give  as  a  dose  or 
  something  beneficial  or  suitable.  Extended  to  a  blow,  a 
  reproof,  etc 
 
  A  noxious  drug  had  been  administered  to  him 
  --Macaulay. 
 
  4.  To  tender,  as  an  oath. 
 
  Swear  .  .  .  to  keep  the  oath  that  we  administer. 
  --Shak. 
 
  5.  (Law)  To  settle,  as  the  estate  of  one  who  dies  without  a 
  will  or  whose  will  fails  of  an  executor. 
 
  Syn:  To  manage;  conduct;  minister;  supply;  dispense;  give 
  out  distribute;  furnish. 

browse words by letter
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
or search   thesauri dictionary search words