Misadminister: meaning, definitions and examples

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misadminister

 

[ mɪsədˈmɪnɪstər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

medical context

To misadminister means to give or apply something, such as medication or a procedure, incorrectly or inappropriately. This can lead to adverse effects or ineffective treatment.

Synonyms

misapply, mismanage, misuse

Examples of usage

  • The nurse was reprimanded for misadministering the medication.
  • Patients may suffer severe consequences due to misadministration of doses.
  • The report detailed instances of misadministration in the hospital.
  • Misadministering a vaccine can lead to serious health risks.

Etymology

The term 'misadminister' is derived from the prefix 'mis-', meaning 'wrongly', and the base word 'administer', which comes from the Latin 'administrare', meaning 'to manage or direct'. 'Administrare' itself is composed of 'ad-' indicating 'to' and 'ministrare' meaning 'to serve'. The evolution of the word reflects the increasing complexity of tasks in medical and administrative fields, where precision and accuracy are paramount. The usage of 'misadminister' has gained prominence, especially in healthcare discussions, highlighting the critical nature of proper administration of medications and procedures. As medicines and treatment protocols have become more sophisticated, the implications of misadministration have underscored the importance of correct procedures and training.