suru verb (special), transitive verb
set to work; employ by force; put to use
Used for compelling people to work, often with a nuance of official or forced labor. The object is typically citizens, laborers, or subordinates.
政府は被災者を復旧作業に役した。
The government set the disaster victims to work on recovery operations.
古
In ancient times, captives were sometimes employed by force on farms.
suru verb (special), transitive verb
use; utilize
Broader sense of putting something to use, not limited to people. Can apply to tools, resources, or abilities. Less common than 使う in everyday speech.
この機械を役して生産性を上げる。
We use this machine to increase productivity.