Answer:
According to dictionary.com:

lev·er·age

   [lev-er-ij, lee-ver-] Show IPA noun, verb,-aged, -ag·ing.
-noun
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.
-verb (used with object)
5.
to exert power or influence on.
6.
to provide with leverage.
7.
to invest or arrange (invested funds) using leverage.
First answer by Jessicaw3. Last edit by Jessicaw3. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].