leverage
n. uncountablen. the power to influence a person or situation to get what you want. In business, it also means using borrowed money to increase the potential return on an investment.
n. the power to influence a person or situation to achieve a desired outcome; also, the use of credit or borrowed capital to increase the potential return of an investment.
The union has a lot of leverage in these negotiations.
The company used its dominant market position as leverage to secure better prices from its suppliers.
High financial leverage can amplify gains during market upswings, but it also exposes the firm to significant risk if asset values decline and debt obligations remain fixed.
From lever + -age. The verb likely comes from martial arts/judo usage, where one would "use an opponent's leverage (i.e. their weight, height, centre of balance, etc.)" against them in order to defeat them.
Often used in the phrase 'gain leverage' or 'have leverage over' someone.