Meaning & Definition of word "Employ"

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.