Word Direct Answers

What does "administer" mean?

Administer: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.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.
  2. 3.To tender, as an oath. Swear . . . to keep the oath that we administer. Shak.
  3. 4.(Law) To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor.
  4. 5.To contribute; to bring aid or supplies; to conduce; to minister. A fountain . . . administers to the pleasure as well as the plenty of the place. Spectator.
  5. 6.(Law) To perform the office of administrator; to act officially; as, A administers upon the estate of B.
  6. 7.Administrator. [Obs.] Bacon.

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