employ

The word “employ” means to hire someone and pay them to do work. In plain terms, to give someone a paid job, or to use a particular method or tool for a task.

“Employ” is pronounced ihm-PLOY (/ɪmˈplɔɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “employ” used in a sentence: “The factory employs over two hundred workers.”

Words with a similar meaning to “employ” include apply, appoint, bestow, brook, commission and commit.

The opposite of “employ” — its antonyms — are discard, shun, disuse and surrender.

“Employ” is a verb.

The word “employ” comes from Latin. From Old French emploiier, "to make use of," ultimately from Latin implicare, "to involve" or "engage" — the same root as "imply.".

“Employ” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Both involve paying someone to do work, but "hire" often emphasises the initial act of taking someone on, while "employ" suggests the ongoing working relationship. You hire a new worker, and once they are working for you, you employ them.

In the sense of making use of something, "employ" is a more formal synonym for "use." You employ a method, strategy, or skill, much as you use a tool, but "employ" sounds more deliberate and elevated.

Choose "employ" in formal, academic, or professional writing, as in "the study employed a new technique." In everyday speech, "use" is more natural and less stiff.

Employ is on the formal side. It is common in business, legal, and academic contexts, whereas "hire," "take on," and "use" feel more conversational.