/ ˈliːvə(r); NAmE ˈlevər/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a handle used to operate a vehicle or piece of machinery :
Pull the lever towards you to adjust the speed.
—see also gear lever
2.
a long piece of wood, metal, etc. used for lifting or opening sth by sb placing one end of it under an object and pushing down on the other end
3.
lever (for / against sth) an action that is used to put pressure on sb to do sth they do not want to do :
The threat of sanctions is our most powerful lever for peace.
■ verb
to move sth with a lever
SYN prise :
[ vn + adv. / prep. ]
I levered the lid off the pot with a knife.
[ vn - adj ]
They managed to lever the door open.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French levier , leveor , from lever to lift.