What is the meaning of leverage?

noun

• The mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever.
  • synonyms: purchase
• Strategic advantage; power to act effectively.
  • usage: "relatively small groups can sometimes exert immense political leverage"
• Investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential gains (at the risk of greater losses.
  • synonyms: leveraging

verb

• Supplement with leverage.
  • usage: "leverage the money that is already available"
• Provide with leverage.
  • usage: "We need to leverage this company"