Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Administer \Ad*min"is*ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Administered};
   p. pr. & vb. n. {Administering}.] [OE. aministren, OF.
   aministrer, F. administer, fr. L. administrare; ad +
   ministrare to serve. See {Minister}.]
   1. To manage or conduct, as public affairs; to direct or
      superintend the execution, application, or conduct of; as,
      to administer the government or the state.

            For forms of government let fools contest: Whate'er
            is best administered is best.         --Pope.

   2. 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.

   3. 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.

   4. To tender, as an oath.

            Swear . . . to keep the oath that we administer.
                                                  --Shak.

   5. (Law) To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a
      will, or whose will fails of an executor.

   Syn: To manage; conduct; minister; supply; dispense; give
        out; distribute; furnish.

Administer \Ad*min"is*ter\, v. i.
   1. 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.

   2. (Law) To perform the office of administrator; to act
      officially; as, A administers upon the estate of B.

Administer \Ad*min"is*ter\, n.
   Administrator. [Obs.] --Bacon.

Source : WordNet®

administer
     v 1: work in an administrative capacity; supervise; "administer a
          program" [syn: {administrate}]
     2: administer ritually; of church sacraments
     3: administer or bestow, as in small portions; "administer
        critical remarks to everyone present"; "dole out some
        money"; "shell out pocket money for the children"; "deal a
        blow to someone" [syn: {distribute}, {mete out}, {deal}, {parcel
        out}, {lot}, {dispense}, {shell out}, {deal out}, {dish
        out}, {allot}, {dole out}]
     4: give or apply (medications) [syn: {dispense}]