What does the term 'employ' mean?

The term 'employ' primarily refers to the act of allowing individuals to work, indicating that they are engaged in a job or task under an agreement, often involving compensation. This definition encapsulates the relationship between the employer and the employee, signifying that the employee is permitted to contribute their skills and labor for the benefit of the employer.

In contrast, the other options denote different actions that do not capture the core essence of employment. For example, firing or dismissing relates to ending a working relationship rather than establishing one. Investing in business typically refers to financial involvement rather than the employment of individuals. Supervising employees pertains to management responsibilities rather than the broader concept of employment itself, which includes all forms of work engagement, regardless of the level of oversight. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the original meaning of 'employ' within an employment context.