# Buff & debuff

- Term: Digital term
- Canonical: https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/buff-and-debuff/

> A buff is a temporary effect that strengthens a character; a debuff weakens one. As a verb, buff (and its opposite, [Nerf](https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/nerf/)) also describes developers strengthening or weakening something in a balance patch.

A buff is a temporary effect that strengthens a character; a debuff weakens one. As a verb, buff (and its opposite, [Nerf](https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/nerf/)) also describes developers strengthening or weakening something in a balance patch.

## Quick answers

**What does "Buff & debuff" mean?**
A buff is a temporary effect that strengthens a character; a debuff weakens one. As a verb, buff (and its opposite, Nerf) also describes developers strengthening or weakening something in a balance patch.

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From The Lantern Hall (https://www.lanternhall.org/), a museum of fantasy literature and roleplaying games.