Meanings
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1
noun
power, influence, or an advantage that can be used to obtain a desired result
Control of the shipping route gave the negotiators considerable leverage.
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2
noun
the mechanical advantage gained by applying force through a lever
She slid a longer bar under the stone to gain more leverage.
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3
noun
the use of borrowed money to increase the potential return, and potential loss, on an investment
The acquisition relied on heavy leverage and became risky when interest rates rose.
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4
verb
to use a resource, position, or influence to achieve a further result
The nonprofit leveraged its local partnerships to expand the food program.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from lever + -age. The noun first denoted the action or mechanical advantage of a lever, then broadened to strategic influence and financial borrowing; the verb developed by conversion from those noun senses.