: a rigid piece that transmits and modifies force or motion when forces are applied at two points and it turns about a third
specifically: a rigid bar used to exert a pressure or sustain a weight at one point of its length by the application of a force at a second and turning at a third on a fulcrum
b
: a projecting piece by which a mechanism (see mechanismsense 1) is operated or adjusted
Noun
They used their money as a lever to gain political power. Verb
He levered the rock out of the hole.
the workers used crowbars to lever the heavy stone block into its new position
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
While some airlines, including Air New Zealand, could likely use battery electric or hydrogen-powered aircraft for shorter-range flying in coming years, alternative jet fuels are the only current lever the sector has to reduce long-haul emissions.—Bykiri Hannifin, Fortune, 5 June 2024 The duo argued that small, low-lift interventions that don’t restrict people’s overall options can be a powerful lever for changing behavior.—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 22 May 2024
Verb
Wall Street has 2 Holds and 2 Sells on USAC units—the MLP is heavily levered, and high levels of investment will impede its ability to de-lever in the short term.—Brett Owens, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 Laboriously, the regime of physical therapy trained him to lever himself from wheelchair to bed or lavatory and back, and even, for a few fearful steps, to walk with a cane.—Colin Thubron, The New York Review of Books, 19 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for lever
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lever.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French levier, lever, from lever to raise, from Latin levare, from levis light in weight — more at light
: a stiff bar for applying a force (as for lifting a weight) at one point of its length by effort at a second point and turning at a third point on a fulcrum
Middle English lever "bar for prying," from early French levier (same meaning), from lever (verb) "to raise," from Latin levare "to raise" — related to elevate
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