To "employ" means to hire someone for a job or task. When a company or individual employs a person, they provide them with work in exchange for payment. This process often involves a formal hiring procedure, including interviews and contracts. In a broader sense, "employ" can also refer to using resources or tools for a specific purpose. For example, a teacher may employ various teaching methods to enhance student learning. In both contexts, the term emphasizes the act of utilizing people or resources effectively to achieve desired outcomes.