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   Lev·er

   /ˈlevər/

   

   noun

   • 1. a rigid bar resting on a pivot, used to help move a heavy or firmly fixed load with one end when pressure is applied to the other: "a tire lever" Similar crowbarbarhandspikejimmycrankarmshaftspindlecrankshaft
   • ▪ a projecting arm or handle that is moved to operate a mechanism: "she pulled a lever at the base of the cage" Similar handlegrippullswitchjoystickkeyknob
   • ▪ a means of exerting pressure on someone to act in a particular way: "rich countries increasingly 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 got hold of the coffin and levered at it 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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