Meaning & Definition of word "Employ"

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    Employ

    /ɪmˈplɔɪ/

    verb:

    • 1. To make use of (someone or something) for a purpose.
      • Example: The company decided to employ new strategies to improve productivity.
    • 2. To provide work for; to give someone a job.
      • Example: They are looking to employ additional staff to handle the increased workload.
    • 3. To engage the services of (someone) for a fee.
      • Example: She chose to employ a consultant to help with her business plan.
    • 4. To apply or practice a skill or ability.
      • Example: 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 of employ

    Meaning: To use someone for personal gain.

    Example Sentence: He just employed her to get his homework done.

    Meaning: To hire informally or in a casual manner.

    Example Sentence: He's just gonna employ a friend to help him move.