debuff

[ dee-buhf ]

noun

1. (in a video game) a category of spell, skill, or item that decreases characters’ attributes or abilities:

   Rather than fighting with them directly, the tarot cards are used for debuffs.

verb (used with object)

1. (in a video game) to decrease a character’s or characters’ attributes or abilities with a spell, skill, or item:

   The goal of this build is to debuff enemies and then wade in with melee.

Word History and Origins

Origin of debuff¹

First recorded in 2000–05; de- ( def ) + buff ²( def )

Example Sentences

Having guests over earned her a “It’s Not Usually Like This” embarrassment debuff—a hit to her mood that made everyday tasks harder to perform—and cuddly dust bunnies were replaced by their evil counterparts, “filth fiends,” which have glowing red eyes and can apparently start fires if left unchecked too long.

From Slate

While autopsies are pending, Olson said he’s certain the victims are Curtis Ronning and Christin DeBuff, owners of the Ryegate Bar & Cafe.

From Washington Times

One user, who recently came out as bisexual, wrote, “At lvl 18, my confidence stat has increased enough to remove the closet debuff.”

From Washington Post

For other users to comment, they must first know a “debuff” refers to effects in games that damage a main character’s stats.

From Washington Post

All consumables have the same buff or debuff.

From Slate