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Added 9 October 2026

administer

/ədˈmɪn.ɪ.stə/ verb

In Latin: administro Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about administer at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of.
administer a program
Perform (a church sacrament) ritually.
administer the last unction
Administer or bestow, as in small portions.
administer critical remarks to everyone present

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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