employ meaning and definition

EMPLOY noun

Definition of employ (noun)

1. the state of being employed or having a job
   • "they are looking for employment"; "he was in the employ of the city"
   • synonyms: employment
   • antonym: unemployment

EMPLOY verb

Definition of employ (verb)

1. put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
   • "use your head!"; "we only use Spanish at home"; "I can't use this tool"; "Apply a magnetic field here"; "This thinking was applied to many projects"; "How do you utilize this tool?"; "I apply this rule to get good results"; "use the plastic bags to store the food"; "He doesn't know how to use a computer"
   • synonyms: apply, use, utilise, utilize
2. engage or hire for work
   • "They hired two new secretaries in the department"; "How many people has she employed?"
   • synonyms: engage, hire
   • antonym: can