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lever

Pronunciation: /ˈliːvə/

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Definition of lever

noun

  • 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: a tyre lever
  • a projecting arm or handle that is moved to operate a mechanism:a control lever
  • a means of pressurizing someone into doing something:rich countries use foreign aid as a lever to promote political pluralism

verb

[with object and adverbial]
  • lift or move with a lever:she levered the lid off the pot with a screwdriver
  • move (someone or something) with a concerted physical effort:she levered herself up against the pillows
  • [no object] use a lever:the men levered at the coffin with crowbars
  • pressurize (someone) to do something:another sticking point is the money that will be required to lever the unions into accepting a deal

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French levier, leveor, from lever 'to lift'

lever in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of lever in the US English dictionary

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