transitive verb

1. to manage or direct (the affairs of a government, institution, etc.)
2. to give out or dispense, as punishment or justice
3. to give or apply (medicine, etc.)
4. to direct the taking of (an oath, pledge, test, etc.)
5. Law to act as executor or administrator of (an estate)

Etymology: ME aministren < OFr aministrer < L administrare < ad-, to + ministrare, to serve

intransitive verb

1. to act as manager or administrator
2. to furnish help or be of service administer to an invalid's needs