diff --git a/artiq/compiler/transforms/llvm_ir_generator.py b/artiq/compiler/transforms/llvm_ir_generator.py
index 1bd6ad25f..521e0de14 100644
--- a/artiq/compiler/transforms/llvm_ir_generator.py
+++ b/artiq/compiler/transforms/llvm_ir_generator.py
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ class DebugInfoEmitter:
             "scopeLine":       func.loc.line(),
             "isLocal":         func.is_internal,
             "isDefinition":    True,
-            "variables":   self.emit_metadata([])
+            "retainedNodes":   self.emit_metadata([])
         }, is_distinct=True)
 
     @memoize