leverage (
http://definr.com/leverage)
n 1: the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to
use a lever [syn:
purchase]
2: strategic advantage; power to act effectively: "relatively
small groups can sometimes exert immense political
leverage"
3: investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential
gains (at the risk of greater losses) [syn:
leveraging]
v 1: supplement with leverage; "leverage the money that is
already available"
2: provide with leverage; "We need to leverage this company"