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   lever

   /ˈliːvə/

   noun

   • 1. 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" Similar crowbarbarhandspikejemmycrankarmshaftspindlecrankshaft
   • ▪ a projecting arm or handle that is moved to operate a mechanism: "a control lever" Similar handlegrippullswitchjoystickkeyknob
   • ▪ a means of pressurizing someone into doing something: "rich countries use foreign aid as a lever to promote political pluralism"

   verb

   • 1. 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"
   • ▪ 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"

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French levier, leveor, from lever ‘to lift’.

   Scrabble Points: 8

   • L

     1

   • E

     1

   • V

     4

   • E

     1

   • R

     1

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