Lever

Quick meaning: Lever is a noun meaning A small such piece to trigger or control a mechanical device (like a switch or a button).

Meaning

A small such piece to trigger or control a mechanical device (like a switch or a button).

More Meanings

1. (mechanics) A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it.
2. (mechanics) An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or to obtain motion from it.
3. (transitive) To move with a lever.
4. (figuratively, transitive) To use, operate or move (something) like a lever (physically).
5. (figuratively, transitive) To use (something) like a lever (in an abstract sense).
6. (mechanics) A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; — used for transmitting and modifying force and motion.
7. (obsolete, except in generalized senses below) A crowbar.

Example Sentences

With great effort and a big crowbar I managed to lever the beam off the floor.

My lord, I brained him with a lever my neighbour lent me, and he stood by and cried, ‘Strike home, old boy!’

Suddenly he had levered himself up from the sofa, rocking the lame man violently, and was walking towards the receptionist.

Sullen now, with stultified spleen, Mrs Dibble grappled her crutches and levered herself upright after an ungainly struggle.

Word Forms

• levers
• levering
• levered

Synonyms for lever

Depending on context, synonyms include jimmy, prise, prize, pry.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include prize, pry, prise, jimmy, cam, leverage.

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