Meaning of employ in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /əmˈplɔɪ/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    employ

    Etymology

    late Middle English (formerly also as imploy): from Old French employer, based on Latin implicari‘be involved in or attached to’, passive form of implicare (see imply). In the 16th and 17th century the word also had the senses ‘enfold, entangle’ and ‘imply’, derived directly from Latin; compare with implicate

    Definitions

    1. put into service

    Examples

    • « make work or employ (something) for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose »
    • « use your head! »
    • « we only use Spanish at home »
    • « I can't make use of this tool »
    • « Apply a magnetic field here »
    • « This thinking was applied »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. engage or hire for work

    Examples

    • « They hired two new secretaries in the department »
    • « How many people has she employed? »

    Antonyms

    Derived terms

  3. Noun

    employ

    Definitions

    1. the state of being employed or having a job

    Examples

    • « they are looking for employment »
    • « he was in the employ of the city »

    Antonyms

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « For a successful entrepreneur it can mean extreme wealth. But with extreme wealth comes extreme responsibility. And the responsibility for me is to invest in creating new businesses, create jobs, employ people, and to put money aside to tackle issues where we can make a difference. »
    Richard Branson
  • « Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for. »
    Socrates
  • « It is essential to employ, trust, and reward those whose perspective, ability, and judgment are radically different from yours. It is also rare, for it requires uncommon humility, tolerance, and wisdom. »
    Dee Hock
  • « The bottom line is how do we best provide for the security of the traveling public in light of a determined enemy who is adept at constructing well-designed, well-concealed devices which would not show up in a walk-through metal detector? We're trying to employ the best technology to identify any possible threat. »
    John Pistole
  • « My philosophy was, if I just do good work, someone will like it enough to employ me. It never made me famous. And I'm way, way too old now, mate. That boat's sailed. »
    Ian Hart

Browse dictionary