nerfing

Verb (1)

nerf (third-person singular simple present nerfs, present participle nerfing, simple past and past participle nerfed)

1. (transitive) To bump lightly, whether accidentally or purposefully.
   • A racer will often nerf another as a psychological tactic.

Verb (2)

nerf (third-person singular simple present nerfs, present participle nerfing, simple past and past participle nerfed)

1. (slang, transitive) To change a mechanic, an ability, or a character in a video game in order to make less efficacious.
   • The lightning spell was originally pretty powerful, but in the sequel they nerfed it so it became completely useless.

   Synonyms:

   gimp

2. (slang, transitive) To arbitrarily limit or reduce the capability of.
   • Tesla nerfs Autopilot in Europe due to new regulations2019 May 17, Fred Lambert, Electrek, retrieved 19 May 2019

See all 4 meanings of nerf