employ

em-ploy · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To give work to someone and pay them for it.

  2. 2.

    To make use of something; to utilize.

  3. 3.

    (Noun) The state of being employed.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in someone's employ — working for someone
  • •
    employ every means — to use all available methods
  • •
    self-employed — working for oneself rather than an employer

Related words

Antonyms: discharge, dismiss, fire
See also: employed, employee, employer, employment
Synonyms: engage, hire, use, utilize

Etymology

From Old French employer ("to make use of, apply"), from Latin implicare ("to involve, entangle"), from in- ("in") + plicare ("to fold"). First used in English in the 15th century.