nerf

Plural: nerfs

Verb

• To bump lightly, whether accidentally or purposefully.
• To change a mechanic, an ability or a character in a video game in order to make a previously dominant strategy less viable or less effective.
• To arbitrarily limit or reduce the capability of.

Noun

• The deterioration, weakening or worsening of a character, a weapon, a spell, etc.

Examples

• A racer will often nerf another as a psychological tactic.
• The lightning spell was originally pretty powerful, but in the sequel they nerfed it so it became completely useless.

Synonyms

cripple, debuff, declaw, defang, degenerate, deteriorate, gimp, worsen

Antonyms

ameliorate, buff, improve, renew, renovate, revamp