Nerf
/nɜːrf/noun
To weaken, reduce, or make less effective, especially in video games.
Did you know?In modern gaming slang, “nerf” likely comes from the soft foam Nerf toys, implying a weapon or ability has been made harmless rather than destroyed.
Etymological Timeline
1969
English
Nerf
“A brand name for soft foam toys and sporting goods”
Late 1980s
English
nerf
“To make something less powerful, especially in games”
1990s
English
nerf
“Gaming slang for reducing the strength of a character, weapon, or ability”
Modern English
English
nerf
“To weaken or reduce in effectiveness”