late 14c., administren, aministren "to manage as a steward," from Old French amenistrer "help, aid, be of service to" (12c., Modern French administrer, the -d- restored 16c.), and directly from Latin administrare "to help, assist; manage, control, guide, superintend; rule, direct," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + ministrare "serve" (see minister, v.). Used of medicine, etc., "to give," from 1540s. Related: Administered; administering.