Administer Meaning
Administer Definition & Usage
To manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of something.
Examples
- "She administers the company's finances with great care."
- "The principal will administer the final exams next week."
- "He was hired to administer the new marketing campaign."
- "A nurse must administer medication according to the prescribed schedule."
- "The director administered the program to ensure all tasks were completed on time."
To dispense, apply, or enforce laws, policies, or decisions.
Examples
- "The judge will administer the oath to the new citizens."
- "The government has begun to administer the new healthcare laws."
- "A bailiff is responsible for administering court orders."
- "They are working on ways to administer justice more fairly."
- "The officers were tasked with administering the new regulations."
To give or apply a treatment, medicine, or intervention.
Examples
- "The doctor will administer the vaccine during the appointment."
- "The nurse administered the patient’s pain relief injection."
- "The team administered first aid to the injured runner."
- "She was instructed to administer the medication every four hours."
- "The paramedics administered oxygen to the unconscious patient."
Cultural Context
The verb 'administer' comes from the Latin word 'administrare', meaning 'to direct, manage, or control'. Over time, it has evolved to cover various fields including law, health, business, and education. It is commonly used in formal, professional, and legal contexts.
The Administrator's Decision
Story
The Administrator's Decision
In a bustling city hospital, Dr. Marlowe was known for her level-headed decisions, especially when it came to critical situations. Today, she had a new challenge: the hospital had just received a shipment of a vital new vaccine, and it was her responsibility to oversee its distribution. 'We must administer this to the patients who need it most,' she told her team. It wasn't just about giving shots; it was about making sure the distribution process went smoothly, that every patient received the correct dosage, and that any adverse reactions were quickly addressed. While preparing, she received a call from the hospital administrator, Mr. Patel. 'Dr. Marlowe,' he said, 'the city council wants you to administer the health briefing tomorrow. They’re looking for clarity on how we’re managing this new treatment.' Dr. Marlowe felt a wave of responsibility. Managing the vaccine was one thing, but now she would have to convey complex information to government officials. She paused for a moment. 'I will handle it,' she replied, steeling herself. The next day, Dr. Marlowe stood before a crowd of local government officials, her colleagues, and the press. She administered the facts with precision, explaining how the vaccine worked and the steps taken to ensure its safe delivery to the most vulnerable patients. Her calm, authoritative demeanor reassured everyone. By the end of the day, the hospital had administered the vaccine to over a hundred patients, and the briefing had gone well. Dr. Marlowe reflected on the delicate balance between overseeing a complex process and managing the expectations of both the public and her team. As she left the office, she felt a sense of pride in her ability to administer both the medicine and the information that kept her community safe.