administer

Meaning

Verb

• To cause to ingest (a drug), either by openly offering or through deceit.
• To apportion out, distribute.
• 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.
• To minister (to).
• To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor.
• To give, as an oath.
• To give a drug to a patient, be it orally or by any other means.

Origin

• From Middle English admynistren, from Old French aminister, from Latin administrare ("to manage, execute"), from ad + ministrare, from minister; see minister.