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to nerf

to nerf

1 8.6
To make something weaker, especially in a game after an update
  • verb
  • /nɜrf/
  • Slang
translation icon : debilitar
  • Players were frustrated when the game developers nerfed their favorite weapon after the patch.

However, when we're constantly pursuing nothing but comfort, we're nerfing our entire world.

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Examples

  • OMG, let's keep nerfing the game, bring back ricochet in hardcore, and make more maps!

    Blog text (11)
  • Blizzard is going to nerf Magic Find!

    Blog text (34)
  • The only thing getting nerfed is the need to swap gear, not magic find in itself.

    Blog text (34)
  • Come on, they nerfed PvP.

  • Blizzard nerfed the hell out of it.

    Blog text (3)
  • I'm still of the opinion that Taste for Blood will be nerfed due to PvP.

    Blog text (7)
  • Their only concern for patch 5.1 was to nerf BM and leave MM/SV as is.

    Blog text (2)
  • The spirit build was overpowered, but then they nerfed it to make it unusable.

    Blog text (22)
  • Get nerfed bro!

  • Nerfing the health of a mob nerfs the time to die, but it also nerfs the time spent in the various damage phases of mob health.

    Blog text (11)

Synonyms

to weaken
vsto nerf
305 2.8

To make people and things less strong or effective

is a software or game update action to make things weaker
to impair
vsto nerf
61 5.1

To make something worse or less able to work

is a deliberate reduction via updates rather than physical damage
to nullify
vsto nerf
12 6.8

To make something lose its effect or value

reduces effectiveness partially in updates rather than completely cancelling effects
to emasculate
vsto nerf
10 8.8

To make something weaker or less effective

is a measured technical reduction aimed at balancing performance
to debase
vsto nerf
7 6.9

To make something worth less by adding cheaper material

affects practical effectiveness or balance rather than value or quality
to defang
vsto nerf
2 7.9

To make a threat or criticism less powerful

focuses on lowering functional effectiveness rather than neutralising danger
to attrit
vsto nerf
  • Jargon
1 9.9

To make people or forces fewer and weaker by slow, steady pressure

is an immediate update change, not a slow wearing away

Antonyms

157 4.2

Give someone the power and confidence to do something

How Weak

to destroy
1.0
to cripple
72 6.3
to nerf
  • Slang
1 8.6
to weaken
305 2.8
to reduce
1.6

Surface Forms

nerf infinitive
nerfed past
nerfed past participle
nerfing present participle
nerfs third person singular

Etymology

Nerf as a verb comes from the toy brand NERF, because its foam darts make things harmless. So to 'nerf' something in a game is to 'make it less powerful' in an update so the game stays fair.