Meaning & use

lever

noun·Academic

A rigid bar that pivots on a fixed point to lift or move a load with less effort.

See it in a sentence

The mechanic used a long lever to pry the heavy stone away from the wall.

Pulling the lever released the brake and let the cart roll slowly downhill.

A note on using this word

Lever also works as a verb, and figuratively means anything used to gain influence, as in a lever for negotiation.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To move or lift something using a lever, or to use something as a means of gaining advantage.

They levered the crate open with a metal bar to reach the tools inside.

Make it your own

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