Leverage (noun)

1. The action of a lever, a simple machine that amplifies physical force.
2. The ability to influence a situation or a person to achieve a desired outcome.
3. The use of borrowed money to increase the potential return of an investment.

Origin:

From middle english lever, from old french lever ("to lift"), from latin levare ("to lift, raise") from proto-indo-european *leyp- ("to cling, adhere, stick").

Examples:

1. He used leverage to lift the heavy rock.
2. The company used its market position to gain leverage in the negotiations.
3. They used leverage to buy the company.
4. The investor used leverage to maximize his return on the investment.
5. He used leverage to get the job done.