Lever vs. Leverage

A crowbar.

(mechanics) A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; — used for transmitting and modifying force and motion.

Specifically, a bar of metal, wood or other rigid substance, used to exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is usually named as the first of the six mechanical powers, and is of three kinds, according as either the fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P, respectively, is situated between the other two, as in the figures.

A small such piece to trigger or control a mechanical device (like a button).

(mechanics) A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it.

(mechanics) An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or to obtain motion from it.

(rare) A levee.

(transitive) To move with a lever.

Example: ‘With great effort and a big crowbar I managed to lever the beam off the floor.’;

To use, operate or move (something) like a lever (physically).

To use (something) like a lever (in an abstract sense).

To increase the share of debt in the capitalization of a business.

(obsolete) Rather.

More agreeable; more pleasing.

Rather.

Example: ‘For lever had I die than see his deadly face.’;

A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; - used for transmitting and modifying force and motion. Specif., a bar of metal, wood, or other rigid substance, used to exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is usually named as the first of the six mechanical powers, and is of three kinds, according as either the fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P, respectively, is situated between the other two, as in the figures.

A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it.

a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum

a simple machine that gives a mechanical advantage when given a fulcrum

a flat metal tumbler in a lever lock

to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open;

Example: ‘The burglar jimmied the lock’; ‘Raccoons managed to pry the lid off the garbage pail’;

a rigid bar resting on a pivot, used to move a heavy or firmly fixed load with one end when pressure is applied to the other

Example: ‘a tyre lever’;

a projecting arm or handle that is moved to operate a mechanism

Example: ‘a control lever’;

a means of pressurizing someone into doing something

Example: ‘rich countries use foreign aid as a lever to promote political pluralism’;

lift or move with a lever

Example: ‘she levered the lid off the pot with a screwdriver’;

move (someone or something) with a concerted physical effort

Example: ‘she levered herself up against the pillows’;

use a lever

Example: ‘the men levered at the coffin with crowbars’;

pressurize (someone) to do something

Example: ‘another sticking point is the money that will be required to lever the unions into accepting a deal’;

A lever ( or US: ) is a simple machine consisting of a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge, or fulcrum. A lever is a rigid body capable of rotating on a point on itself.

A force compounded by means of a lever rotating around a pivot; see torque.

Example: ‘A crowbar uses leverage to pry nails out of wood.’;

By extension, any influence which is compounded or used to gain an advantage.

Example: ‘Try using competitors’ prices for leverage in the negotiation.’;

(finance) The use of borrowed funds with a contractually determined return to increase the ability of a business to invest and earn an expected higher return, but usually at high risk.

Example: ‘Leverage is great until something goes wrong with your investments and you still have to pay your debts.’;

(business) The ability to earn very high returns when operating at high capacity utilization of a facility.

Example: ‘Their variable-cost-reducing investments have dramatically increased their leverage.’;

To use; to exploit; to manipulate in order to take full advantage (of something).

Example: ‘They plan to leverage the publicity into a good distribution agreement.’; ‘They plan to leverage off the publicity to get a good distribution agreement.’;

The action of a lever; mechanical advantage gained by the lever.

the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever

strategic advantage; power to act effectively;

Example: ‘relatively small groups can sometimes exert immense political leverage’;

investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential gains (at the risk of greater losses)

supplement with leverage;

Example: ‘leverage the money that is already available’;

provide with leverage;

Example: ‘We need to leverage this company’;