leverage: Meaning and Definition of

lev•er•age

1. the action of a lever.
2. the mechanical advantage or power gained by using a lever.
3. power or ability to act or to influence people, events, decisions, etc.; sway: Being the only industry in town gave the company considerable leverage in its union negotiations.
4. the use of a small initial investment, credit, or borrowed funds to gain a very high return in relation to one's investment, to control a much larger investment, or to reduce one's own liability for any loss.

1. to exert power or influence on.
2. to provide with leverage.
3. to invest or arrange (invested funds) using leverage.