[ 'li:v(ə)rɪdʒ ]
■ noun
1》 the exertion of force by means of a lever.
2》 the power to influence: political ~.
3》 Finance another term for gearing (in sense 2).
■ verb [usu. as adjective ~d ] use borrowed capital for (an investment), expecting the profits made to be greater than the interest payable.