lever

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a handle used to operate a vehicle or piece of machinery: Pull the lever towards you to adjust the speed. seealsoGEARLEVER 2 a long piece of wood, metal, etc. used for lifting or opening sth by sb placing one end of it under an object and pushing down on the other end: We had to use a lever to prise open the window. 3 ~ (for / against sth) an action that is used to put pressure on sb to do sth they do not want to do: The threat of sanctions is our most powerful lever for peace. verb to move sth with a lever: [VN+adv./prep.] I levered the lid off the pot with a knife. * [VN-ADJ] They managed to lever the door open.