Definition of: administer

(ad·min′is·tər) v.t.
1. To have the charge or direction of; manage.
2. To supply or provide with; apply, as medicine or treatment.
3. To inflict; mete out; dispense, as punishment or the sacraments.
4. Law To settle by testamentary or official appointment; act as executor of, as an estate.
5. To tender, as an oath,
—v.i.
6. To contribute toward an end; minister; with to.
7. To carry out the functions of an administrator. See synonyms under EXECUTE. [<OF aministrer (F administrer) <L administrare minister to < ad- to + ministrare serve]
—ad·min·is·te·ri·al (ad·min′is·tir′ ē·əl) adjective
—ad·min·is·tra·ble (ad·min′is·trə·bəl) adjective