Employ

/ɪmˈplɔɪ/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To make use of (someone or something) for a purpose.
The company decided to employ new strategies to improve productivity.
To provide work for; to give someone a job.
They are looking to employ additional staff to handle the increased workload.
To engage the services of (someone) for a fee.
She chose to employ a consultant to help with her business plan.
To apply or practice a skill or ability.
He decided to employ his knowledge of languages to travel more confidently.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'employer', from Latin 'implicare' meaning to involve.

Common Phrases and Expressions

employ someone
To hire someone for a job.
employ one's talents
To use one's abilities effectively.
employ caution
To act with care or wariness.

Related Words

employer
A person or organization that employs people.
employment
The state of having paid work.
employee
A person who is hired to work for another.

Slang Meanings

To use someone for personal gain.
He just employed her to get his homework done.
To hire informally or in a casual manner.
He's just gonna employ a friend to help him move.