1. [v]  give or apply, as of medications
2. [v]  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"
3. [v]  administer ritually; of church sacraments
4. [v]  work in an administrative capacity; supervise; "administer a program"

ADMINISTER is a 10 letter word that starts with A.

1. \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.
   

2. \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.
   

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