Aberto

Pronunciation: Uh-bare-toe
Description: A spell presumably used
to open objects such as doors or
windows.

Accio (Summoning Charm)

Pronunciation: Various suggestions

have been made, including: (AK-ee-oh)
or (AK-see-oh)-film, (AK-see-oh)-UK
audio book and video game, (AS-see-
oh)-US audio book, and (AT-chee-oh)-
Anglo-Catholic pronunciation
Description: This charm summons an
object to the caster, potentially over a
significant distance. It can be used in
two ways; either by casting the charm
and then naming the object desired, or
by pointing your wand at the desired
object during or immediately following
the incantation to "pull" the target
toward the caster; in either case, the
caster must concentrate on the object
they wish to summon in order for the
charm to succeed. The caster doesn't
necessarily need to know the location of
the target if they say the name of the
object to be summoned, such as when
Hermione Granger summoned some
 books from Dumbledore's office simply
by saying "Accio Horcrux books!" while
in Gryffindor Tower.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry Potter
summoned his broom to complete the
first task of the Triwizard Tournament
in 1994, as well as to summon the
Portkey to escape Voldemort and the
Death Eaters in the Little Hangleton
Graveyard in 1995. Also, in the Battle of
the Seven Potters Harry summoned
Hagrid when he fell. Molly Weasley
used it to get the twins candy.
Notes: The summoning charm is limited
only to items and small animals, as it
was shown to be incapable of
summoning people; it is also possible to
bewitch items to become impervious to
this spell.
Etymology: The Latin word accio
means "I call" or "I summon".
Age Line
Description: Creates a thin, shimmering
golden line around the target that is
impassable by those below a set age. It
seems that ageing potions are useless
against the line, and it appears that the
lines functions on either calendar or
mental age.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Albus
Dumbledore to stop underage students
from entering their names into the
Goblet of Fire.
Aguamenti (Water-Making Spell)
Pronunciation:AH-gwah-MEN-tee
Description: Produces a fountain or jet
of water from the wand tip.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Fleur
Delacour in 1994 to extinguish her skirt,
which had caught flame during a fight
against a dragon. Harry used this spell
twice in 1997, both on the same night;
once to attempt to provide a drink for
Dumbledore, then again to help douse
Hagrid's hut after it was set aflame by
Thorfinn Rowle, who used the Fire-
Making Spell.
Etymology: Possibly a hybrid of Latin
words aqua, which means "water", and
mentis, which means "mind".
Alarte Ascendare
Pronunciation: A-LAR-tey ah-SEN-
deh-rey
Description: Shoots the target high into
the air.
Seen/Mentioned: Used only once, and
that was by Gilderoy Lockhart in 1992
Etymology: Ascendere is a Latin
infinitive meaning "to go up,""to climb,"
"to embark," "to rise(figuratively);" this
is the origin of the English word
"ascend".
Albus Dumbledore's Forceful Spell
Description: This spell was,
supposedly, quite powerful as when it
was cast, the opponent was forced to
conjure a silver shield to deflect it.
Seen/Mentioned: This incantation was
used only once throughout the series,
and that was by Dumbledore in the
Ministry of Magic, immediately
following the Battle of the Department
of Mysteries on 17 June, 1996, while he
duelled Voldemort.
Alohomora (Unlocking Charm)
Pronunciation: al-LOH-ha-MOHR-ah
Description: Used to open and unlock
doors; it can unseal doors upon which
the Locking Spell has been cast,
although it is possible to bewitch doors
to resist the spell.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger in 1991 to allow her and her
friends to access the Third Floor
Corridor at her school, which was at the
 time forbidden; she used it again two
years later to free Sirius's cell in her
teacher's prison room.
Etymology: The incantation is derived
from the West African Sidiki dialect
used in geomancy; it means "friendly to
thieves", as stated by the author in
testimony during a court case.[1]
Notes: Whilst in the first book, when
the spell is cast the lock or door must be
tapped once, in the fifth, a healer simply
points her wand at the door to cast it,
and on Pottermore the wand motion is
seen as a backward 'S'.
Anapneo
Pronunciation: ah-NAP-nee-oh
Description: Clears the target's airway,
should they find it blocked.
Seen/Mentioned: Used only by Horace
Slughorn, cast upon Marcus Belby when
the latter choked on a pheasant in 1996.
Etymology: From the Greek verb
anapneo, meaning "I breathe in"; this
and Episkey are the only spells
obviously derived from Greek.
Anteoculatia
Pronunciation: AN-tea-oh-cuh-LAY-
chee-a
Description: Anteoculatia is a hex
which turns a person's hair into antlers.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell was used to
make Pansy Parkinson grow antlers in
1996.
Anti-Jinx
Description: Prevents the effects of a
jinx over one target object or animal.
Seen/Mentioned: In the summer of
1995, Arthur Weasley was required to
perform an antijinx on a regurgitating
toilet.
Anti-Cheating Spell
Description: Cast on parchment and
quills to prevent the writer from
cheating while writing answers.
Seen/Mentioned: Used near exam times
at Hogwarts in at least 1991 and 1995.
Anti-Disapparition Jinx
Description: Used to prevent
Disapparating in an area for a time;
presumably used to trap an enemy in an
area, is probably related to the Anti-
Apparition Charm.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Albus
Dumbledore to trap some Death Eaters
in the Department of Mysteries in 1996.
Also mentioned that nobody can
disapparate from Hogwarts; it is due to
this jinx.
Antonin Dolohov's curse
Description: Based on what is seen of
the effects, it is presumed to be a nearly
lethal spell used to cause severe internal
injury.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Antonin
Dolohov during the Battle of the
Department of Mysteries twice; once on
Hermione Granger (which incapacitated
her instantly and required her to take ten
potions a day for some time) and again,
ineffectively, on Harry Potter.
Aparecium (Revealing Charm)
Pronunciation: AH-par-EE-see-um
Description: This spell is used to
reverse concealing charms, and can
presumably render invisible ink visible.
It is covered in a rather old spellbook. It
may be related to Specialis Revelio.
Seen/Mentioned: Only ever used (to no
avail) in 1993 by Hermione Granger to
attempt to reveal any hidden writing in a
diary.
Etymology: Latin apparere, meaning
"to appear"; -ium and -cium are common
Latin noun endings.

Aqua Eructo (Aqua Eructo Charm)
Pronunciation: A-kwa ee-RUCK-toh
Description: This spell is used to create,
and control, a jet of clear water from the
tip of the wand; it is probably related to
Aguamenti.
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
to extinguish fires in 1994.
Etymology: Aqua means, in Latin,
water. Eructo is a verb meaning "I
raise"; roughly translated, it means "I
raise water".
Arania Exumai
Pronunciation: ah-RAHN-ee-a EKS-
su-may
Description: This spell is used to blast
away Acromantulas and, presumably, all
other arachnids.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry uses this spell
in The Forbidden Forest to defend he
and his friend from some spiders that are
attacking them. He learned the spell
from a diary, who attempted to use it in
a memory.
Etymology: From the Latin aranea,
meaning "spider", and exuo, meaning "I
lay aside".
Arresto Momentum
Pronunciation: ah-REST-oh mo-MEN-
tum
Description: Used to decrease the
velocity of a moving target; it should be
noted that it can be used on multiple
targets, as well as on the caster himself.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Dumbledore
to save one of his students from a fall in
1993; Hermione Granger used it, to little
effect, in 1998 to cushion an otherwise
deadly fall.
Etymology: Likely the combination of
the Anglo-French arester, meaning "to
bring to a stop" and the Latin
momentum, meaning "the force or
strength gained whilst moving"; the
literal translation hence is "Bring the
force or strength gained whilst moving
to a stop".
Arrow-shooting spell
Description: Fires arrows from the
caster's wand.
Seen/Mentioned: The spell used to be
used by Appleby Arrows supporters at
Quidditch matches to show their support
for their teams; however, the British and
Irish Quidditch League banned the use
of the spell at matches when referee
Nugent Potts was pierced through the
nose with a stray arrow in 1894.
Ascendio
Pronunciation: ah-SEN-dee-oh
Description: Lifts the caster high into
the air.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry Potter
in the Second Task of the Triwizard
Tournament to propel him to the surface
of the lake in 1995.
Etymology: Derived from Latin
ascendo, meaning "to climb".[2]
Avada Kedavra (Killing Curse)
Pronunciation: ah-VAH-dah keh-
DAV-rah
Description: Causes instant death to the
victim wherever it hits on the body, is
accompanied by a flash of green light
and a rushing noise; there is no known
counter-curse, although there are a
number of ways to prevent death by it,
such as hitting it with another spell in
mid-flight, dodging it, or interrupting
the caster. It is one of the three
Unforgivable Curses.
Harry Potter was saved from this spell a
number of times, both by his mother's
sacrifice, because he was an accidental
horcrux, and because his wand and his
enemy's were made of the same core.
 Seen/Mentioned: First said (not by
name) in 1991, during the flashback
while Hagrid described his parents'
deaths to Harry; next, the first part of the
incantation was said by Lucius Malfoy
when he tried to kill Harry, and
numerous times in every book
following.
Etymology: During an audience
interview at the Edinburgh Book
Festival on 15 April, 2004 J. K. Rowling
said "Does anyone know where avada
kedavra came from? It is an ancient
spell in Aramaic, and it is the original of
abracadabra, which means "let the
thing be destroyed". Originally, it was
used to cure illness and the "thing" was
the illness, but I decided to make the
"thing" as in the person standing in front
of me. I take a lot of liberties with things
like that. I twist them round and make
them mine."[3]
Avifors (Avifors Spell)
Pronunciation: AH-vi-fors
Description: Transforms the target into
a bird
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
throughout the video games.
Etymology: From Latin avis meaning
"bird" and fors meaning "luck".
Avis (Bird-Conjuring Charm)
Pronunciation: AH-viss
Description: Conjures a flock of birds
from the tip of the wand; when used in
conjunction with Oppugno, it can be
used offensively.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in 1994 by Mr
Ollivander to test Viktor Krum's wand.
Also employed offensively by Hermione
Granger against Ron Weasley.
Etymology: The Latin word avis means
"bird".
Babbling Curse
Description: Although this spell is not
fully understood, it is generally
presumed to force a person to babble
whenever they speak; it is possibly, for
this reason, related to the Tongue-Tying
Curse.
Seen/Mentioned: Although he was
rather untrustworthy, it may not have
occurred at all, but Lockhart says he
cured a Transylvanian farmer of this
affliction.
Bat-Bogey Hex
Description: It is another spell that is
not fully understood, but most people
presume, based on clues from the text,
that it grotesquely enlarges the target's
bogies, gives them wings, and sets them
attacking the target.
Seen/Mentioned: Ginny Weasley was a
noted practitioner of this spell, having
used it at least thrice by her sixth year.
Notes: This spell may be related to, or
the same as, the Curse of the Bogies
mentioned in 1991; however, that spell
gives the victim a runny nose, and hence
the two may be different.
Baubillious
Pronunciation: baw-BILL-ee-us
Description: The exact effects of the
spell are unknown, though it presumably
is of damaging nature and it produces a
bolt of white light from the tip of the
wand.
Seen/Mentioned: In Charms class of an
unknown year.
 Etymology: Currently unclear, probably
from English bauble.
Notes: Judging by the incantation, this
may be the spell used by Filius Flitwick
to decorate the Hogwarts Christmas
Trees with Christmas baubles.
Bedazzling Hex
Description: Thouh the exact effects are
unknown, based on the name (and the
fact that it is used in conjunction with a
chameleon charm on certain cloaks, it is
probably used to conceal a person or
object.
Seen/Mentioned: When Xenophilius
Lovegood explains the concept of how
the Cloak of Invisibility is the only thing
that can make a person truly invisible,
he mentions that most cloaks of that
kind are made with this spell.
Bewitched Snowballs
Description: Presumably causes
snowballs to pelt themselves at the
target.
Seen/Mentioned: Twice used by Fred
and George Weasley; firstly on
Professor Quirrell's head, unwittingly
striking Lord Voldemort in the face, and
then again four years later to attack the
windows of Gryffindor Tower.
Bluebell Flames
Description: Conjures a quantity of
waterproof blue flames that can be
carried around in a container, released,
then "scooped" back therein.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell was a
specialty of Hermione Granger's. She
used it to save Harry and Ron in 1991.
Bombarda
Pronunciation: bom-BAR-dah
Description: Provokes a small
explosion.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger to free Sirius Black from prison
in 1994. This spell was only seen in the
film.
Etymology: Presumably from English
bombard, meaning "to attack a place or
person continually with bombs or other
missiles".
Bombarda Maxima
Pronunciation: BOM-bar-dah MAX-
ih-mah
Description: Creates a large explosion
capable of removing entire walls. A
more advanced and more powerful form
of Bombarda.
Seen/Mentioned: Dolores Umbridge
used this spell in 1995 to force her way
into the Room of Requirement.
Brackium Emendo
Pronunciation: BRA-key-um ee-MEN-
doh
Description: If used correctly, it is
claimed that this spell will heal broken
bones; this theory is supported by the
etymology.
Seen/Mentioned: Used unsuccessfully
by Gilderoy Lockhart on Harry Potter in
 1992 after the latter's arm was broken by
a Bludger; it vanished all the bones,
making it resemble rubber.
Bubble-Head Charm
Cedric employs the Bubble-Head Charm during
the Second Task.
Description: Produces a large bubble of
air around the head of the user; it is
commonly used as the supernatural
equivalent of a breathing set.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Cedric
Diggory and Fleur Delacour in 1995; it
was used the next year by many students
walking through the halls, because of
horrid odours made by various pranks
played on Dolores Umbridge.
Bubble-producing spell
Description: Produces a stream of
multicoloured, non-bursting bubbles;
there are two similar spells.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Professor
Flitwick to decorate some trees; the
bubbles in this instance were golden.
Used the following year by Ron
Weasley when he broke his wand; these
bubbles were purple.
Calvario (Hair-Loss Curse)
The Hair-Loss Jinx in Lego Harry Potter
Pronunciation: cal-VORE-ee-oh
Description: This spell causes the
victim's hair to fall out.
Seen/Mentioned: In the LEGO Harry
Potter: Years 5-7, the book Curses and
Counter-Curses by Vindictus Viridian
mentions this spell, and it can be bought
from Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment
in Diagon Alley.
Etymology: From Latin calvus =
"bald".
Cantis
Pronunciation: CAN-tiss
Description: Causes the victim to burst
uncontrollably into song.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell can be
bought in Wiseacre's Wizarding
Equipment in LEGO Harry Potter:
Years 5-7. Used by the Hogwarts
professors to enchant suits of armour.
Etymology: Cantare is Latin for "sing".
Carpe Retractum (Seize and Pull Charm)
Carpe Retractum
Pronunciation: CAR-pay ruh-TRACK-
tum
Description: Produces a supernatural
rope from the caster's wand, which will
pull a target toward the caster.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1993 and 1994 by
Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.
Etymology: From the Latin carpe,
meaning "to seize" and retracto,
meaning "I draw back".
Cascading Jinx
Description: An offensive spell used to
defeat multiple enemies.
 Seen/Mentioned: This spell was seen
only in Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows: Part 1 (video game).
Caterwauling Charm
Description: Anyone entering the
perimeter of this spell sets off a high-
pitched shriek. This spell may be related
to the Intruder Charm.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell was cast by
the Death Eaters over Hogsmeade
Wizarding Village to protect against
intruders in 1998.
Cauldron to Sieve
Description: Transforms cauldrons, and
presumably all pots and containers of
that sort, into sieves.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell was only
seen in the Harry Potter Trading Card
Game.
Cave Inimicum
Pronunciation: KAH-way ih-NIH-mih-
kum
Description: Based on the etymology, it
may warn the caster of any approaching
enemies, similar to a Caterwauling
Charm.
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
by Hermione Granger in 1997 and 1998
to protect the tent she shared with Ron
Weasley and Harry Potter.
Etymology: The incantation is a Latin
phrase which translates to "beware of
the enemy".
Cheering Charm
Description: Causes the person upon
whom the spell is cast to become
contented and happy, though heavy-
handedness with it causes the victim to
break into an uncontrollable laughing
fit.
Seen/Mentioned: Taught to third-year
charms classes, part of the written
O.W.L. The spell was invented by Felix
Summerbee.
Cistem Aperio
Cistem Aperio
Pronunciation: SIS-tem uh-PE-ree-o
Description: Opens chests and boxes
Seen/Mentioned: This spell was used
by Tom Riddle to open the chest in
which Aragog was hidden. It was only
seen in the film.
Etymology: Aperio is Latin for
"uncover" or "open"; Cista is Latin for
"trunk" or "chest".
Colloportus (Locking Spell)
Pronunciation: cul-loh-POR-tus
Description: Locks doors, and
presumably all things that can be
locked; it is unknown whether the
counterspell is required, or if a key
could open it.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger in 1996 in an attempt to prevent
the Death Eaters that were following her
from catching up.
Etymology: Perhaps a portmanteau of
the Latin words colligere, which means
"gather" and porta, which means "gate".
 Notes: This spell can easily be
countered with Alohomora.
Colloshoo (Stickfast Hex)
Pronunciation: cul-loh-SHOE
Description: Adheres the victim's shoes
to the ground with some sort of adhesive
ectoplasm.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell is
mentioned twice, once as having been
used on Severus Snape during a potions
class, the other when one reads Curses
and Counter-Curses by Vindictus
Viridian.
Etymology: The suffix "shoo" is a
phonetic spelling of English "shoe"; the
prefix collo may come from Greek
"," (pronounced
"colas","cols"), which means "to glue".
Colovaria (Colour Change Charm)
Pronunciation: co-loh-VA-riah
Description: Changes the target's
colour.
Seen/Mentioned: The spell can be
bought in Wiseacre's Wizarding
Equipment in Diagon Alley. Used by
fifth-years in their OWLs.
Etymology: Almost certainly a
combination of English "colour" and
"vary".
Confringo (Blasting Curse)
Pronunciation: kon-FRING-goh
Description: Causes anything that the
spell comes into contact with to explode,
and presumably thereafter burst into
flame.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry Potter
to destroy the side-car of a motorbike in
which he was riding during a battle
against some Death Eaters in 1997; it
was later used by Hermione Granger in
an attempt to kill Nagini and facilitate
an escape from Godric's Hollow.
Etymology: The incantation is direct
Latin for "destroy".
Notes: This spell seems to use heat for
its explosion, while Expulso uses
pressure instead.
Confundo (Confundus Charm)
Pronunciation: con-FUN-doh
Description: Causes the victim to
become confused and befuddled.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1994, Severus
Snape asserted that Harry, Ron and
Hermione had this charm cast on them
so that they would believe Sirius Black's
claim of innocence; used two years later
by Hermione to allow Ron to join
the Gryffindor Quidditch team. It was
used multiple times in 1997 and 1998.
Etymology: The incantation, when non-
capitalized, means "I confuse"; the title
may derive from the Latin confundere,
meaning "to confuse" or "to perplex".
Conjunctivitis Curse
Description: Due to the name
(conjunctivitis is another word for "pink
eye", a disease which forms a scabby
inflammation over the eye), it is
 presumed this curse causes great pain to
the victim's eyes.
Seen/Mentioned: It was suggested by
Sirius Black in his letter to Harry for
him to use this spell on a dragon.
Olympe Maxime used this spell on some
giants in 1995.
Cornflake skin spell
Crucio (Cruciatus Curse)
Description: This spell causes the
victim's skin to appear as though it was
coated in cornflakes.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1996, an unnamed
student went to the hospital for
treatment after he was hit with it, which
was presumably done in retaliation for
the Inquisitorial Squad's recent
behaviour.
Cracker Jinx
Description: This spell is used to
conjure exploding wizard crackers; it
can be used in duelling to harm the
opponent, but the force of the explosion
may also affect the caster.
Cribbing Spell
Mucus ad Nauseam (Curse of the Bogies)
Description: This spell, which may
possibly be a charm, is used to assist the
caster in cheating on written papers,
tests, and exams. It is possible that these
spells can negate anti-cheating spells.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1991, an unnamed
Slytherin student asked his fellow
students whether any of them knew any
good cribbing spells.
Crinus Muto
Cushioning Charm
Description: This spell can change the
colour and style of ones hair.
Seen/Mentioned: In the Harry Potter
Lego video games.
Notes: This maybe be the spell that
causes Harry to turn his eyebrow yellow
in 1996.
Pronunciation: KROO-shea-oh
Description: Inflicts intense pain on the
recipient of the curse; the pain is
described as having hot knives being
driven into the victim. It cannot be cast
successfully by a person who is doing so
out of pure spite or anger; one must feel
a true desire to cause the victim pain. If
one casts this spell, he or she will
receive a life sentence in Azkaban
prison for it, as with the other
two Unforgivable Curses.
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
from the fourth book onward.
Etymology: Latin crucio means "I
torture".
Pronunciation: MEW-cuss add NOH-
see-um
Description: Gives the recipient a
massive head cold and an extremely
runny nose.
Seen/Mentioned: Taught by Professor
Quirrell to his first-year class, used later
that year by Draco Malfoy on Harry
Potter.
 Description: Produces an invisible
cushion over the target, is used primarily
in the manufacturing of broomsticks.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger to cushion her, Harry, and
Ron's fall in Gringotts Wizard Bank in
1998.
Notes: This spell may be related to
Aresto Momentum and Spongify.
Defodio (Gouging Spell)
Pronunciation: deh-FOH-dee-oh
Description: This spell allows the caster
to gouge large chunks out of the target.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by The Trio to
escape from a bank in 1998 while riding
a dragon. It was later used by Harry to
write the epitaph for Dobby, who had
been killed.
Etymology: The incantation is Latin for
"I dig".
Deletrius (Eradication Spell)
Pronunciation: deh-LEE-tree-us
Description: Disintegrates something
Seen/Mentioned: This spell was only
ever seen in 1994 when Amos Diggory
used Prior Incantato to detect that
Winky had cast Morsmordre using
Harry Potter's wand.
Etymology: Latin delere, meaning "to
destroy", and English "detritus",
meaning rubble.
Densaugeo (Tooth-Growing Spell)
Pronunciation: den-SAW-jee-oh
Description: This hex causes the
victim's teeth to grow rapidly, but can
also be used to restore lost teeth, as
proven when Ted Tonks did so in 1997
for Harry Potter.
Seen/Mentioned: Introduced in 1994,
when Draco Malfoy's spell rebounded
upon Hermione Granger; her teeth were
past her collar before she was forced to
run to the hospital to get them shrunk.
Later used in 1997 to mend Harry
Potter's broken teeth.
Etymology: From Latin dens, meaning
"tooth", and augeo, meaning "I enlarge";
essentially, it means "I enlarge the
tooth".
Depulso (Banishing Charm)
Depulso
Pronunciation: deh-PUL-soh
Description: This spell is used to make
the target fly toward a specific location;
it is the opposite of the summoning
charm.
Seen/Mentioned: Although it is learned
in the fourth-year charms class at
Hogwarts, it is used multiple times in
1993, as well as in 1995.
Etymology: From the Latin depulsio,
meaning "drive away".
Descendo
Pronunciation: deh-SEN-doh
Description: Causes the target to move
downwards.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1997, it was used
by Ron to magically cause the stairs in
 his bedroom, which lead to his family's
attic, to descend; later that year, Crabbe
used it in an attempt to cause a wall of
rubbish behind which Ron was hiding to
fall on him.
Etymology: Descendo is Latin for "I
descend".
Deprimo
Pronunciation: DEE-prih-moh
Description: This spell places immense
downward pressure on the target, which
may result in the violent fracturing of
said target.
Seen/Mentioned: Hermione Granger
blasted a hole through the living room
floor of Xenophilius Lovegood's house
in 1998 using this spell.
Etymology: The incantation, when non-
capitalized, means "to depress" or
"depress".
Diffindo (Severing Charm)
Pronunciation: dih-FIN-doh
Description: Rips, tears, shreds, or
otherwise physically damages the target.
Seen/Mentioned: Used twice in 1994,
the first time being by Harry Potter to
cut Cedric Diggory's bag in order to talk
to the latter, and the second time being
by Ron Weasley to cut the lace from the
cuffs of his dress robes in an attempt to
make them seem less feminine. The
spell was used a third time by Harry to
swap the covers of his second-hand and
brand-new copies of Advanced Potion-
Making.
Etymology: Latin diffindere, meaning
"to divide" or "to split".
Diminuendo
Pronunciation: dim-in-YEW-en-
DOUGH
Description: Forces the target to shrink.
Seen/Mentioned: Performed by Nigel
Wolpert in 1995.
Etymology: The incantation derives
from the musical term diminuendo,
meaning "a gradual decrease of the
volume of sound".
Dissendium
Pronunciation: dih-SEN-dee-um
Description: Although the only known
canonical effect is to open secret
passageways, it's possible, based on its
use in 1997, that it opens things in
general.
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
in 1993 to open the statue of Gunhilda
of Gorsemoor, then again four years
later in a failed attempt to open Salazar
Slytherin's Locket.
Etymology: There are numerous
suggestions.
Notes: This may not be a spell at all in
the strict sense but a password; however,
when used for the statue of the hump-
backed witch, one must tap the statue
with their wand, indicating that it is in
fact a spell.
Disillusionment Charm
 Description: Causes the target to blend
seamlessly in with its surroundings, like
a chameleon.
Seen/Mentioned: Used and mentioned
multiple times from 1995 onward.
Draconifors (Draconifors Spell)
Pronunciation: drah-KOH-nih-fors
Description: Transforms the target into
a dragon.
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
in 1993 and 1994.
Etymology: From the Latin word draco,
meaning "dragon", and fors, a popular
transformation suffix.
Drought Charm
Description: Causes puddles and ponds
to dry up. Though not powerful enough
to drain a body of water like a lake
Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned by Ronald
Weasley in 1994 when Harry was
getting ready for the Second Task of
The Triwizard Tournament.
Ducklifors (Ducklifors Jinx)
Pronunciation: DUCK-lih-fors
Description: Transforms the target into
a duck.
Etymology: From the English duck, and
the Latin fors, a common ending for
transformations.
Seen/Mentioned: Multiple times in
1994 and 1995.
Duro (Hardening Charm)
Pronunciation: DOO-roh
Description: This charm transforms the
target into solid stone.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger in 1998 while escaping from
Death Eaters in the Battle of Hogwarts.
Etymology: Latin duro means "harden".
Ears to kumquats
Description: This spell transforms the
victim's ears into kumquats.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1995, Luna
Lovegood read The Quibbler upside
down in order to reveal the secret
charm, written in Ancient Runes.
Ear-shrivelling Curse
Description: Causes the target's ears to
shrivel up.
Seen/Mentioned: Sometime between
1989 and 1994, Bill Weasley's pen-
friend sent him a hat with this curse on
it.
Ebublio (Ebublio Jinx)
Pronunciation: ee-BUB-lee-oh
Description: Causes the victim to
inflate and explode into hundreds of
bubbles; it can only be cast if an ally is
using Aqua Eructo on the victim
simultaneously.
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
in 1994.
Engorgio (Engorgement Charm)
 Pronunciation: en-GOR-jee-oh
Description: Causes the target to swell
in physical size.
Seen/Mentioned: Rubeus Hagrid used
this spell on his pumpkins in 1992; two
years later, Barty Crouch Jr cast this
spell on a spider to make it easier for
students to see when he cast a curse on
it. Used on another spider three years
later to test a new wand.
Entrail-Expelling Curse
Etymology: The English word engorge
means "swell".
Notes: There is much speculation that
this spell is the same as the Growth
Charm, though this cannot be proven.
Note that there is a difference between
enlarging and engorging something,
similar though they may seem.
Engorgio Skullus
Pronunciation: in-GORE-jee-oh
SKUH-las
Episkey
Description: This hex causes the
victim's skull to swell
disproportionately; this spell may be a
variation of the Engorgement Charm, as
they share the first word of the
incantation. Its countercurse is
Redactum Skullus.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell can be
bought at Wiseacre's Wizarding
Equipment in Diagon Alley.
Etymology: See etymology for above
entry; "skullus" is Latin for "skull".
Entomorphis
Pronunciation: en-TOE-morph-is
Description: This hex is used to
transform the target into an insectoid for
a short time; it can be bought at
Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment in
Diagon Alley.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry Potter
contemplated using this hex against
Dudley Dursley in 1995, though he
decided against it; it was later seen in
the LEGO world.
Description: Presumably causes the
victim's insides to be ejected from the
body, though due to the fact that a
portrait of its inventor was hung in a
hospital, it is possible this spell's effect
is entirely different.
Seen/Mentioned: It was only ever seen
once, and that was when Harry Potter
visited a hospital in 1996, and he saw
the inventor's portrait.
Pronunciation: ee-PISS-key
Description: Used to heal relatively
minor injuries, such as broken bones and
cartilage.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1996, Nymphadora
Tonks used this spell to fix Harry's
broken nose after Draco Malfoy broke it
on the Hogwarts Express (Luna
Lovegood did so in the film); Harry, in
turn, used it to heal Demelza Robins'
swollen lip after Ron punched her
during Quidditch practise.
Etymology: The word comes from
Greek "episkeui" (""), which
means "repair".
 Notes: This is part of a family of
healing spells.
Epoximise
Pronunciation: ee-POX-i-mise
Description: Adheres one object to
another, similarly to if they had been
glued together.
Seen/Mentioned: As shown in the card
game, this spell is often used by students
to adhere each other's belongings to
their desks (or, unfortunately, their
hands).
Etymology: Epoximise comes from the
English word epoxy, which is a type of
adhesive.
Notes: This spell may be the Permanent
Sticking Charm or a variation.
Erecto
Pronunciation: eh-RECK-toh
Description: Used to erect a tent or
other structure.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger to construct a shelter for her,
Harry Potter, and Ronald Weasley in
1997.
Etymology: Erectum is past principle of
erigere, which is Latin for "to erect".
Evanesce
Pronunciation: ev-an-ES-key
Description: Vanishes the target
Seen/Mentioned: Used on a mouse in
the card game.
Notes: This is probably simply an
earlier version of the Vanishing Charm,
which wasn't developed until later in the
series' plot.
Evanesco (Vanishing Spell)
Pronunciation: ev-an-ES-koh
Description: Vanishes the target; the
best description of what happens to it is
that it goes "into non-being, which is to
say, everything".
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
in 1995.
Etymology: From "evanescene",
meaning "something that is fleeting or
disappears.
Everte Statum
Pronunciation: ee-VER-tay STAH-tum
Description: Throws the victim
backward, similarly to if they'd been
thrown.
Seen/Mentioned: Draco Malfoy used
this spell on Harry Potter in 1992.
Etymology: The Latin words everte,
which means "to throw out" and statua,
from the same language, meaning
"image".
Expecto Patronum (Patronus Charm)
Pronunciation: ecks-PECK-toh pah-
TROH-numb
Description: This charm is a defensive
spell which will conjure a spirit-like
incarnation of their positive emotions to
defend against dark creatures; it can also
send messages to other witches or
 wizards. It seems one's Patronus will
take the form of something important to
the caster, and can change when one has
undergone a period of heightened
emotion.
Seen/Mentioned: Taught to Harry by
Professor Lupin; Harry later taught
Dumbledore's Army this charm. This is
the only known spell effective against
Dementors.
Etymology: Patronus means "protector"
in Latin; in archaic Latin, it means
"father"; considering the form Harry's
takes, this is interesting. The Latin word
expecto means "I await"[4]
Expelliarmus (Disarming Charm)
Pronunciation: ex-PELL-ee-ARE-muss
Description: Causes whatever the
victim is holding to fly away, knocks
out an opponent if used too forcefully.
Harry Potter's special spell.
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
from the second book onwards.
Etymology: Probably a combination of
Latin expello, meaning "expel", and
arma, meaning "weapon".
Notes: Mentioned in Doctor Who
starring David Tennant and Freema
Agyeman, second episode of third
series. It was also used differently in the
Prisoner of Askaban PS2 video game, in
which a pink coloured shield is formed
to protect against jinxes.
Expulso (Expulso Curse)
Pronunciation: ecks-PUHL-soh
Description: Provokes an explosion,
unique in that it uses pressure to do so as
opposed to heat.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Antonin
Dolohov during a fight in a cafe in 1997.
Etymology: From expulsum, which is
past principle of expellere, which means
"expel".
Extinguishing spell
Description: Puts out fires.
Seen/Mentioned: Charlie Weasley and
his friends would use this spell should
something go wrong in the
tournament.[5]
Eye of rabbit, harp string hum, turn this water
into rum (Transfiguration)
Description: Turns water into rum.
Seen/Mentioned: Seamus Finnigan
tried to cast it in 1991, and, in his first
attempt, he managed to make "weak
tea," before causing an explosion.
Feather-light charm
Description: Makes something
lightweight.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry Potter
contemplated using this in 1993 to
lighten his trunk so that he could carry it
by broom to Gringotts, though he
decided against it.
Notes: This charm may have been cast
by Hermione Granger on her beaded bag
to make it easier to carry, considering
the heavy objects within.
Ferula
Pronunciation: feh-ROO-lah
Description: Creates a bandage and a
splint.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Remus
Lupin in 1994 to bind Ronald Weasley's
broken leg.
Etymology: Latin ferula means
"walking-stick" or "splint".
Fianto Duri
Pronunciation: fee-AN-toh DOO-ree
Description: A defensive charm which,
based on the etymology, strengthens
shield spells, and perhaps objects in
general, in a similar way to Duro.
Seen/Mentioned: Used to protect a
school in 1998.
Etymology: Latin fiant means
"become" and duri means "hard".
Fidelius Charm
Description: A complex charm used to
hide secret information within the soul
of the charm's recipient, who is called a
Secret-Keeper. The information is
irretrievable unless the Secret-Keeper
chooses to reveal it, and only the
aforementioned person can do so.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1993, it was
explained that when Harry was merely
an infant, he and his parents were
hidden from Voldemort with this charm;
from 1995 onward it was used to protect
Grimmauld Place, and in 1998 it was
used to protect Shell Cottage.
Etymology: Latin fidelis, which means
"faithful".
Notes: Although the author had
previously explained that when a Secret-
Keeper dies the secret they held can
never be revealed to anyone else[6], in
1997 it is clearly explained that upon the
Keeper's death all those who had been
told the secret become keepers in turn.
Notes (2): This charm seems to have no
effect with regard to animals, as Hedwig
found Ron and Hermione in a location
that was protected by this charm;
however, it is possible that Dumbledore
somehow told her, ludicrous though
such may seem.
Notes (3): In 1981, Hagrid managed to
get to Harry before all the Muggles
could look at it; this makes it appear as
though the Killing Curse will negate the
effect of the Fidelius Charm.
Notes (4): Those who have been told of
the secret by secret-keepers still cannot
pass the secret on, as proven by Severus
Snape and Bellatrix Lestrange.
Fiendfyre
The Fiendfyre in the Room of Requirement
caused by Vincent Crabbe
Description: Creates great spirits of fire
which burn anything in its path,
including nearly indestructable
substances such as horcruxes. This fire
is nearly impossible to control.
Seen/Mentioned: Though there are
numerous instances when it may have
been used, it was only proven to have
been used in 1998 by Vincent Crabbe,
who was killed by it.
Finestra Seen/Mentioned: Gunhilda Kneen
jinxed her husband with this spell.
Pronunciation: fi-Ness-Trah
Firestorm
Description: Creates an aperture in a
wall or window. Albus Dumbledore fighting the Inferi inside the
cave in 1997

Description: Produces a ring of fire

Finite from the wand tip that can strike targets.

Pronunciation: fi-NEE-tay Seen/Mentioned: Albus Dumbledore

used this spell to rescue Harry from
Description: Terminates spell effects in Inferi in 1997.
the vicinity of the caster.

Seen/Mentioned: Remus Lupin used Flagrante Curse

this spell on Neville Longbottom; three
Description: Causes the cursed object
years later, Harry Potter used it to
to burn human skin when touched.
prevent an attack on his friend.
Seen/Mentioned: The Lestrange Vault
Etymology: From Latin finire, meaning
had this curse on it.
"to finish".
Flagrate
Finite Incantatem (General Counter-Spell)
Pronunciation: fluh-GRAH-tay
Pronunciation: fi-NEE-tay in-can-
TAH-tem Description: Produces fiery marks
which can be used to write.
Description: Terminates all spell effects
in the vicinity of the caster. Seen/Mentioned: Tom Riddle used this
spell to write his name; Hermione
Seen/Mentioned: Severus Snape used
Granger used it three years later to mark
this to restore order to his club.
some doors.
Hermione Granger also used this in the
film version of Harry Potter and the Etymology: From the Latin flagrate,
Chamber of Secrets to destroy Dobby's meaning "a burn".
rogue Bludger after its Quidditch match.
Flame-Freezing Charm
Etymology: Latin finire, meaning "to
finish", and incantatem. Description: Causes fire to tickle those
caught in it instead of burning them.
Finger-removing jinx
Seen/Mentioned: Third year students
Description: Removes a person's wrote an essay on the use of this charm
fingers. in medieval witch-burnings; Wendelin
the Weird was burned forty-seven times.
 Notes: This may be the spell used in
Floo Network, as well as when Albus
Dumbledore set Tom Riddle's wardrobe
aflame in 1938.
Flipendo (Knockback Jinx)
Flipendo
Pronunciation: flih-PEN-doh
Description: Pushes the target, knocks
out weaker enemies.
Seen/Mentioned: Taught in Defence
Against the Dark Arts, used in every
video game thereafter until the third one.
Not used in the books or films.
Flipendo Duo (Knockback Jinx Duo)
Pronunciation: flih-PEN-doh DOO-oh
Description: A more powerful version
of Flipendo.
Seen/Mentioned: Seen in 1991, 1992,
and 1993.
Flipendo Tria
Pronunciation: flih-PEN-doh TREE-ah
Description: A more powerful version
of Flipendo Duo; it is said to resemble a
miniature tornado.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1991 and 1993.
Flying Charm
Description: This spell is cast on
broomsticks and flying carpets to allow
them to fly.
Seen/Mentioned: Draco Malfoy
mentioned this spell when insulting Ron
Weasley's broomstick, wondering why
anyone would charm it.
Fumos (Smokescreen Spell)
Description: Used to produce a
defensive cloud of dark grey smoke.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell, used in
1993, is covered in The Dark Forces: A
Guide to Self-Protection.
Fumos Duo
Description: A more powerful version
of Fumos.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1993.
Furnunculus (Pimple Jinx)
Pronunciation: fer-NUN-kyoo-luss
Description: Covers the target in boils
(or pimples).
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry Potter
on Gregory Goyle.
Etymology: Latin furnunculus, meaning
"petty thief", or English furuncle, a
synonym for "boil".
Fur spell
Description: Causes fur to grow on the
victim.
Seen/Mentioned: Fred and George
Weasley used this spell on each other.
Geminio (Gemino Curse)
Pronunciation: jeh-MIH-nee-oh
Description: Creates an identical,
useless copy of the target
 Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger on Salazar Slytherin's Locket to
disguise her presence from Dolores
Umbridge.
Etymology: The Latin word gemini
means "twins".
Glacius (Freezing Spell)
Pronunciation: GLAY-shuss
Description: Transforms the target into
solid albeit normal ice.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in the video
games. Never used in the books or films.
Etymology: From Latin glacies, which
means "ice".
Glacius Duo
Pronunciation: GLAY-shuss DOO-oh
Description: A more powerful version
of Glacius.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in the video
games. Never used in the books or films.
Etymology: From Latin glacies, which
means "ice".
Glacius Tria
Pronunciation: GLAY-shuss TREE-ah
Description: A more powerful version
of Glacius Duo.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in the video
games. Never used in the books or films.
Etymology: From Latin glacies, which
means "ice".
Glisseo
Pronunciation: GLISS-ee-oh
Description: Causes the steps on a
stairway to flatten into a slide.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger to escape from Death Eaters.
Etymology: Probably derived from
French glisser, meaning "to slide".
Green Sparks
Description: Shoots green sparks from
the wand.
Seen/Mentioned: Taught in Defence
Against the Dark Arts
Gripping Charm
Description: Helps someone grip
something more effectively.
Seen/Mentioned: Used on Quaffles to
help Chasers carry them.
Hair-thickening Charm
Description: Thickens the victim's hair.
Seen/Mentioned: Alicia Spinnet was
hexed with this spell in 1996.
Harmonia Nectere Passus
Pronunciation: har-MOH-nee-a
NECK-teh-ray PASS-us
Description: Repairs a Vanishing
Cabinet.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Draco
Malfoy to mend a cabinet in 1996.
Etymology: Latin harmonia, which
means "harmony", nectere, which
 means "to bind", and passus, which
means "step".
Herbifors
Description: This spell causes flowers
to sprout from the victim.
Seen/Mentioned: It can be bought at
Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment.
Herbivicus (Herbivicus Charm)
Pronunciation: her-BIV-i-cuss
Description: Makes plants grow to full
size instantaneously.
Seen/Mentioned: In 19941995 school
year, not in books or films.
(Hermione Granger's jinx)
Description: Causes a traitor to break
out in boils spelling "SNEAK" on his or
her forehead.
Seen/Mentioned: Hermione Granger
designed and placed this jinx on the
parchment signed by all members of
Dumbledore's Army. When Marietta
Edgecombe betrayed the D.A. to
Dolores Umbridge, the jinx was
triggered.
Notes: This jinx was invented by
Hermione, and may have been inspired
by Furnunculus.
Homing spells
Description: Offensive spells that
follow their target with a constant speed
after being cast.
Homenum Revelio (Human-Presence-
Revealing Spell)
Hermione using this charm in 12 Grimmauld
Place
Pronunciation: HOM-eh-num reh-
VEH-lee-oh
Description: Reveals human presence
in the vicinity of the caster.
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
by various people in 1997.
Etymology: Most likely from Latin
homo, meaning human, and "reveal",
though the classical Latin form would
be hominem instead of homenum, which
shows Portuguese influence ("man" is
homem in Portuguese)indeed,
Rowling speaks the language.
Notes: It can be used non-verbally;
Dumbledore does so to detect Harry
underneath his Invisibility Cloak.[7]
Homonculous Charm
Description: Tracks movement of every
person in the mapped area.
Seen/Mentioned: Used to create the
Marauder's Map.
(Homorphus Charm)
Description: Causes an Animagus or
transfigured object to assume its normal
shape.
Seen/Mentioned: According to
Lockhart, he used it to force the Wagga
Wagga Werewolf to take its human
form. It was, however, used by Lupin
and Sirius on the rat named Scabbers to
reveal that he was Peter Pettigrew in
Prisoner of Azkaban.
 Suggested Etymology: Latin homo
meaning "person" and Greek morphosis
meaning "shaping"
(Horton-Keitch Braking Charm)
Description: This spell was first used
on the Comet 140 to prevent players
from overshooting the goal posts and
from flying off-sides.
Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned in
Quidditch Through the Ages as the
charm that gave the Comet 140 an
advantage over the Cleansweep.
(Horcrux Curse)
Description: This spell allows a part of
a wizard's soul to pass into an object,
thereby making the object a Horcrux.
One has to commit murder and take
advantage of the soul's "splitting apart"
by this supreme act of evil in order to be
able to perform this spell, and it is
probably very complex. In 1943, Horace
Slughorn described the spell to a young
Tom Riddle as encasing a portion of the
torn soul and placing it within an object.
The spell itself is described in detail in a
banned book known as "Secret of the
Darkest Art", which Hermione Granger
summoned from Albus Dumbledore's
office near the end of their sixth year.
According to the text, use of this spell to
separate the soul will make the
remaining portion of the soul very
fragile, and can only be reversed by
"remorse" of the wrongs the creator had
made; however, the pain caused by
attempting to reverse the creation of a
Horcrux can destroy the individual.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Lord
Voldemort while creating his Horcruxes.
Notes: When J.K.Rowling was asked
about what the steps are to create a
Horcrux Rowling declined to answer,
saying that "some things are better left
unsaid". However, in the Harry Potter
Encyclopedia, it is explained, and the
editor is said to have felt like vomiting
after reading it.
(Hot-Air Charm)
Description: Causes wand to emit hot
air.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger in 1995 to dry off her robes.
Also used shortly after to melt snow.
Also was used by Albus Dumbledore in
1997 to dry Harry's and his own robes.
Quite possibly a form of Ventus.
Hour-Reversal Charm
Description: Reverses small amounts of
time (up to five hours).
Seen/Mentioned: Used to create Time-
Turners, as mentioned by Professor Saul
Croaker; this charm is highly unstable.
Hover Charm
Description: Causes the target to float
in mid-air for a brief period of time.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Dobby to
levitate a cake.
(Hurling Hex)
Description: Causes brooms to vibrate
violently in the air and try to buck their
rider off.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1991, Professor
Quirrell may have been casting a
 wordless and wandless version of this
spell on Harry's broom during his
Quidditch match. Professor Flitwick
suggested that Harry's confiscated
Firebolt may be jinxed with this spell.
Illegibilus
Pronunciation: i-lej-i-bill-us
Description: Illegibilus is a spell that is
used to render a text illegible.
Immobulus (Freezing Charm)
Pronunciation: eem-o-bue-les
Description: Renders living targets
immobile.
Seen/Mentioned: Hermione used it
1992 to freeze 2 Cornish Pixies.
According to Horace Slughorn, a
Freezing Charm will disable a Muggle
Burglar Alarm. It strikes resemblances
to the Flame-Freezing Charm, which
negates the effects of fire.
Etymology: From the Latin
immobilis, meaning immovable.
Notes: The Incantation was mentioned
in the film adaptations of Harry Potter
and The Chamber of Secrets.
Remus Lupin also used it on the
womping willow in the third movie
when they use the time turner.
Impedimenta (Impediment Jinx)
Pronunciation: im-ped-ih-MEN-tah
Description: This jinx is capable of
tripping, freezing, binding, knocking
back and generally impeding the target's
progress towards the caster. The extent
to which the spell's specific action can
be controlled by the caster is unclear.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in 1995 when
Harry was practising for the Third Task
of the Triwizard Tournament. In 1996,
Harry saw in a memory that James
Potter used it on Severus Snape. Also
used in 1997 by Harry against the Inferi
and Snape. Stronger uses of this spell
seem capable of blowing targets away.
Etymology: Latin impedimentum (plural
impedimenta), "a hindrance" or "an
impediment".
Imperio (Imperius Curse)
Pronunciation: im-PEER-ee-oh
Description: One of the three
"Unforgivable Curses". Places the
subject in a dream-like state, in which
he or she is utterly subject to the will of
the caster. However, those who are
strong willed may learn to resist it. The
use of this curse on another human
results in capital punishment or life
sentence in Azkaban
Seen/Mentioned: Used on many
occasions. First seen in 1994 when
Barty Crouch Jr, impersonating ex-
Auror Alastor Moody, used it on a
spider and later on students during a
"class demonstration" in a Defence
Against the Dark Arts class. While
breaking into Gringotts in 1998, Harry
used it on a goblin and a Death Eater
when they became suspicious.
 Etymology: Latin impero, I command,
and English "imperious".
(Imperturbable Charm)
Description: Makes objects such as
doors impenetrable (by everything,
including sounds and objects).
Seen/Mentioned: The spell was used in
1995 by Hermione to trap Rita Skeeter
within a bottle while she was in beetle
form. It was also used by Molly
Weasley in the same year on the door of
the room in which an Order of the
Phoenix meeting was being held, in
order to prevent her sons, Fred and
George, from eavesdropping.
Impervius (Impervius Charm)
Pronunciation: im-PUR-vee-us
Description: This spell makes
something repel (literally, become
impervious to) substances and outside
forces including water.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger in 1993 on Harry's glasses
while in a Quidditch match and also by
the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Also
used in 1997, first by Ron to protect
objects in Yaxley's office from rain, and
then by Hermione to protect Harry, Ron
and Griphook from the burning treasure
in the Lestranges' vault.
Etymology: It is said that the Latin
impervius means (and is the source of)
"impervious"; although it is the source
of the word, it is better translated as
impassable, as in a mountain peak.
Inanimatus Conjurus (Inanimatus Conjurus
Spell)
Pronunciation: in-an-ih-MAH-tus
CON-jur-us
Description: It is a spell of unknown
effect, most likely used to conjure an
inanimate object.
Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned briefly in
1995.
Incarcerous
Pronunciation: in-CAR-ser-us
Description: Ties someone or
something up with ropes.
Seen/Mentioned: First heard in 1996,
when Dolores Umbridge tries to hold off
Centaurs. Also used by Harry on the
Inferi in Voldemort's Crystal Cave in
1997 and also attempted to use it on
Severus Snape in the same year.
Etymology: Probably English
incarcerate, "to imprison". Possibly
linked to the Latin in carcerem, "in(to)
prison".
Notes: A non-verbal version of this
spell may have been used to tie up
Remus Lupin by Severus Snape during
the encounter in the Shrieking Shack,
and then later Peter Pettigrew in 1994. It
may also have been used by Quirrell in
1992, although he is said to have merely
"snapped his fingers". Also, it may have
been the spell Antonin Dolohov used
non-verbally to bind Ron Weasley with
"shining black ropes" in a skirmish on
Tottenham Court Road.
Notes (2): It can be bought at
Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment in
Diagon Alley in LEGO Harry Potter:
Years 1-4.
Incendio (Fire-Making Spell)
Pronunciation: in-SEN-dee-oh
Description: Produces fire.
Seen/Mentioned: It was first seen in
1994 by Arthur Weasley to create a fire
in the Dursleys' hearth so that he could
use Floo powder there. In 1997, this
spell was used several times in battle,
most noticeably when Hagrid's hut was
set ablaze. It was also possibly used by
Hagrid in 1991 to create a fire in the
hearth before bringing Harry to London.
Etymology: Latin incendere, "to set fire
(to)". Note that the first principal part of
this verb (meaning "I set fire") is
incendo, not incendio; Rowling's
incantation does not match exactly any
correct conjugation of the verb.
Incndio, in Portuguese (same
pronunciation as in English) means
'huge fire'. "Encender" in Spanish means
"to ignite" and "Incendie" in French
means flame. (A plausible but less likely
source might be that it is a back-
formation from the English word
"incendiary," i.e., "causing fire.")
Notes: Probably the charm used
frequently by Hermione, as it is noted
that creating small portable fires is a
speciality of hers. This fire is said to be
portable and blue, which may be a
different enchanted fire, possibly the
bluebells flames incantation.
Incendio Duo
Pronunciation: in-SEN-dee-oh DOO-
oh
Description: A stronger version of
Incendio.
Seen/Mentioned: It was in Harry Potter
and the Chamber of Secrets (GBC)
Incendio Tria
Pronunciation: in-SEN-dee-oh TREE-
ah
Description: An improvement over
both Incendio and Incendio Duo.
Seen/Mentioned: It was in Harry Potter
and the Philosopher's Stone (video
game), Harry Potter and the Chamber of
Secrets (video game) and Harry Potter
and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video
game).
Inflatus (Inflatus Jinx)
Pronunciation: in-FLAY-tus
Description: Inflates objects (living or
dead).
Seen/Mentioned: One of the secondary
spells in Harry Potter and the Goblet of
Fire (video game) or possibly in "Harry
Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
(film).
Etymology: The prefix 'Inflate' derives
from the English verb "to expand with
oxygen".
Informous (Informous Spell)
Pronunciation: in-FOR-m-es
Description: Informous is a spell that is
used to complete one's Folio Bruti. A
page with a brief description (including
weaknesses and strengths) of the
charmed creature is added to the caster's
Folio Bruti.
 Seen/Mentioned: This was seen in the
video game version of Harry Potter and
the Chamber of Secrets (GBC version)
Etymology: The prefix Info derives
from the English verb "to inform".
(Intruder Charm)
Description: Detects intruders and
sounds an alarm.
Seen/Mentioned: Horace Slughorn used
it on a Muggle-owned house he stayed
in temporarily in 1996, but did not hear
it go off when Albus Dumbledore and
Harry Potter arrived, as he was in the
bath.
Locomotor Wibbly (Jelly-Legs Curse)
Pronunciation: loh-koh-MOH-tor
WIB-lee
Description: Causes the victim's legs to
collapse.
Seen/Mentioned: One of the spells
mentioned in Curses and Counter-
Curses by Vindictus Viridian, used on
Harry, practising for the Third Task of
the Triwizard Tournament, by
Hermione. Also, Draco Malfoy was hit
with this jinx (along with another one) at
the end of the term.
(Jelly-Brain Jinx)
Description: Presumably affects the
target's mental processes.
Seen/Mentioned: During the September
1999 riot that took place during the
Puddlemere United/Holyhead Harpies
Quidditch game, a lot of Harpy
supporters were using this jinx.
Notes: This spell may have been the
spell that the Death Eaters hit Ron with
in Harry Potter and the Order of the
Phoenix in the Battle of the Department
of Mysteries.
(Jelly-Fingers Curse)
Description: Causes the target's fingers
to become almost jelly-like to make it
uneasy for the victim to grasp objects.
Seen/Mentioned: After a June 1999
Pride of Portree/Appleby Arrows
Quidditch game, the losing Seeker
accused his opposite number of putting
this curse on him as they both closed in
on the Snitch.
Knee-reversal hex
Description: Causes the victim's knees
to appear on the opposite side of his/her
legs.
Seen/mentioned: In Quidditch Through
the Ages, Gertie Keddle uses this hex
when a man playing an early form of
Quidditch comes to retrieve his ball
from her garden.
Lacarnum Inflamarae
Pronunciation: la-CAR-num in-fla-
MA-ray
Description: It sends a ball of fire from
the wand
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in
1991 to stop Snape from cursing Harry.
The incantation is only used in film
adaptation of Harry Potter and the
Philosopher's Stone.
 Etymology: Latin inflammo, or the verb
inflammatio meaning "to set on fire".
Lacarnum, from the Latin lacerna,
meaning cloak.
Langlock
Pronunciation: LANG-lock
Description: Glues the subject's tongue
to the roof of their mouth. Created by
Severus Snape.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry on
Peeves and twice on Argus Filch, to
general applause.
Etymology: Probably from the French
langue ("tongue") and the English
"lock".
Lapifors (Lapifors Spell)
Pronunciation: LAP-ih-forz
Description: Turns small objects into
real rabbits.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in
the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of
Azkaban and Harry Potter and the
Goblet of Fire video games.
Etymology: From Latin lepus meaning
hare, and fors meaning strength which is
a suffix often used for transfiguration
spells.
(Leek Jinx)
Description: Makes leeks sprout out of
the target's ears.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by a fighting
Gryffindor fourth year and sixth year
Slytherin before a Quidditch match in
1992.
Legilimens (Legilimency Spell)
Pronunciation: Le-JIL-ih-mens
Description: Allows the caster to delve
into the mind of the victim, allowing the
caster to see the memories, thoughts,
and emotions of the victim.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Severus
Snape on Harry after he had a dream
about Arthur Weasley being attacked by
Nagini in 1995. Also during
Occlumency lessons in 1996. Also used
non-verbally by Snape on Harry in 1997
to allow him to see where Harry had
learned the Sectumsempra spell.
Etymology: Latin legere ("to read") and
mens ("mind").
Levicorpus
Pronunciation: lev-ee-COR-pus
Description: The victim is dangled
upside-down by their ankles, sometimes
accompanied by a flash of light (this
may be a variant of the spell).
Seen/Mentioned: Apparently invented
by the Half-Blood Prince; it is a non-
verbal-only spell (although it is
whispered by Hermione in 1997). Harry
Potter learnt it by reading the notes
written by the Half-Blood Prince. He
used it on Ron. The previous year, Harry
had seen (through the Pensieve used by
Severus Snape) his father, James Potter,
use the spell against Professor Snape. In
the Order of the Phoenix film, Luna
Lovegood somehow uses this against a
Death Eater, although she speaks it, and
the spell's name is unknown to any
students until Half-Blood Prince.
 Etymology: Latin levare, "raise" and
corpus, "body" or "corpse".
Liberacorpus
Locomotor Mortis (Leg-Locker Curse)
Pronunciation: LIB-er-ah-cor-pus
Description: Counteracts Levicorpus.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry used the spell
in 1996 to counteract Levicorpus he had
inadvertently cast on Ron.
Etymology: Latin liberare, "to free",
and corpus, "body" or "corpse".
Notes: It is not clear why Levicorpus
has a specific counter-spell, and is not
neutralised by simply using Finite
Incantatem, although this could be due
to the fact that Snape invented the spell
and therefore made it irreversible except
by its specific counter-curse.
Locomotor (Locomotion Charm)
Pronunciation: LOH-koh-moh-tor
Description: The spell is always used
with the name of a target, at which the
wand is pointed (e.g. "Locomotor
Trunk!"). The spell causes the named
object to rise in the air and move around
at the will of the caster.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Nymphadora
Tonks in Harry Potter to move Harry's
trunk from his room. Filius Flitwick
similarly used it to move Sybill
Lumos (Wand-Lighting Charm)
Trelawney's trunk after Dolores
Umbridge sacked her. Parvati Patil and
Lavender Brown used this spell to race
their pencil cases around the edges of
the table. A variation seen in 1998 is
Piertotum Locomotor, which caused the
statues of Hogwarts to be animated.
Etymology: Latin locus (place) and
moto, "set in motion" (passive motor),
or English locomotion.
Pronunciation: LOH-koh-moh-tor
MOR-tis
Description: Locks the legs together,
preventing the victim from moving the
legs in any fashion.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Draco
Malfoy on Neville Longbottom in 1991.
Used by Harry Potter on Draco Malfoy,
who deflected it, in 1996. One of the
spells on Pottermore.
Etymology: English locomotion,
"movement" + Latin mortis, "of death".
Notes: It is unclear whether or how this
spell is related to the Locomotor spell. It
could, however, be that the curse
"locks" any part of the body in
accordance to where it is pointed, or
moves the body into a position of the
caster's choosing whilst placing them
into an immobile state. It is possible that
Draco had pointed his wand at Neville
and the curse "locked" his legs together.
Notes (2): It can be bought at
Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment in
Diagon Alley in LEGO Harry Potter:
Years 1-4.
Pronunciation: LOO-mos
Description: Creates a narrow beam of
light that shines from the wand's tip, like
a torch.
 Seen/Mentioned: Constantly
throughout the series. A stronger version
of this spell, Lumos Maxima is
performed by Harry Potter at the
Dursleys' house in the film adaptation of
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of
Azkaban, and by both Harry and
Dumbledore in the Crystal Cave in film
adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-
Blood Prince. Used in Pottermore.
Etymology: Latin lumen, "light".
Notes: opposite incantation, Nox, puts
the light out.
Lumos Duo
Pronunciation: LOO-mos DOO-oh
Description: Creates an intense beam of
light that projects from the wand's tip
and can lock-on to various targets, turn
hinkypunks solid and cause ghouls to
retreat.
Seen/Mentioned: Learned and used by
Ron in the video game adaptation of
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of
Azkaban.
Etymology: Lumos plus Latin duo,
"two".
Lumos Maxima
Pronunciation: LOO-mos Ma-cks-ima
Description: Shoots a ball of light at the
place pointed, if the Wand is swung.
Seen/Mentioned: First practised by
Harry in the home of the Dursleys, then
used by Dumbledore to light up the cave
of the Horcrux.
Etymology: Lumos + maxima, Latin
"greatest."
Lumos Solem
Pronunciation: LOO-mos SO-lem
Description: Creates a powerful ray of
light as bright as the sun.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione to
free Ron from the Devil's Snare. The
incantation was only used in film
adaptation of Harry Potter and the
Philosopher's Stone.
Etymology: Derived from two words;
the Latin lumen, meaning "light", and
the Latin word for "sun", which in its
accusative case is "solem".
Notes: It is possible that the quality of
the light is on the warmer solar end of
the spectrum; Considering the known
uses that the spell has been put to, it isn't
that much of a stretch to presume that
the spell is used to conjure Sunlight.
Magicus Extremos
Description: Seen only in the video
games, this simply makes all spells more
powerful for a limited period of time.
'Seen/Mentioned: Harry Potter and the
Goblet of Fire (video game) '
Melofors (Melofors Jinx)
Melofors
Description: Encases the target's head
in a pumpkin.
 Seen/Mentioned: PoA game, GoF
game, Harry Potter and the Order of the
Phoenix, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-
4/5-7.
Meteolojinx Recanto
Pronunciation: mee-tee-OH-loh-jinks
reh-CAN-toh.
Description: Presumably causes
weather effects caused by jinxes to
cease.
Seen/Mentioned: Suggested in 1997 by
Arthur Weasley to Ron (disguised as
Reginald Cattermole by use of Polyjuice
Potion) as the best way to clear up the
rain jinx on a Ministry office. Also used
by Bartemius Crouch Jr (Disguised as
Alastor Moody) In 1994 to cease the
weather effect of the Great Hall's
Ceiling insisting it is broken as he told
Dumbledore to "Fix his ceiling".
Etymology: Meteorology, the study of
weather, the word jinx and recant, "to
withdraw or retract". Interestingly in
modern English recant means to say that
you no longer hold a belief.
Mimblewimble (Tongue-Tying Curse)
Pronunciation: MIM-bull-WIM-bull
Description: A curse which prevents
certain information from being revealed
by the individual upon whom the spell is
placed. The curse manifests itself by
causing the tongue to temporarily curl
backwards upon itself.
Seen/Mentioned: Seen in 1997 as a
deterrent to Severus Snape, or any other
unwanted visitor of 12 Grimmauld
Place, from betraying their location to
anyone else.
Mobiliarbus
Pronunciation: MO-bil-ee-AR-bus
Description: Levitates and moves an
object.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1993, Hermione
Granger used the spell to move a
Christmas Tree in The Three
Broomsticks beside her table to hide
Harry Potter, who was in Hogsmeade
illegally.
Etymology: Latin mobilis, "movable" or
"flexible", and arbor (alternatively
arbos), "tree".
Notes: It is possible that Mobilicorpus
and Mobiliarbus are variations of the
same basic spell, since they share the
"Mobili-" stem.
Mobilicorpus
Pronunciation: MO-bil-ee-COR-pus
Description: Levitates and moves
bodies.
Seen/Mentioned: Sirius Black used it
on Severus Snape in 1994. It was
probably used on Peter Pettigrew by
Lord Voldemort in the graveyard to
make him come forward.
Etymology: Latin mobilis, "movable",
and corpus, "body".
Notes: It is possible that Mobiliarbus
and Mobilicorpus are variations of the
same basic spell, since they share the
"Mobili-" stem.
Molly Weasley's Curse
Pronunciation: Unknown
Description: Like the Avada Kedavra
curse, it kills (or freezes) the victim. It
turns the body grey/blue (or paler) while
it turns to stone and then another twin
jinx can blast the body into pieces.
Seen/Mentioned: Molly Weasley used
the curse after Bellatrix Lestrange
attacked Ginny Weasley. Only used in
the film version.
Notes: This may be Duro or a Freezing
Charm, although the latter is shown to
be blue in 1992.
Morsmordre (Dark Mark)
Pronunciation: morz-MOR-duh, morz-
MOHR-dah, morz-MOR-drah
Description: Conjures the Dark Mark,
which is the sign of the Death Eaters.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Barty
Crouch Jr in 1994. Also seen in 1997
over the castle to lure Albus
Dumbledore to his death. It was
apparently invented by Lord Voldemort.
Etymology: Latin mors, "death", and
mordere, meaning "to bite" (or its
French derivative mordre); this would
appear to be associated with the name of
Lord Voldemort's followers, the Death
Eaters. The English murder might also
contribute.
Notes: A possible translation might be
"take a bite out of death", a fitting
phrase for Death Eaters.
Muffliato (Muffliato)
Pronunciation: muf-lee-AH-to
Description: This spell fills peoples'
ears with an unidentifiable buzzing to
keep them from hearing nearby
conversations.
Seen/Mentioned: It was used in 1996
by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley on
various teachers and people such as
Madam Pomfrey. It was created by
Severus Snape. As pointed out by
Hermione, it is probably not Ministry of
Magic approved. It was also used in
1997 by Hermione Granger in protection
of the camp-site where Harry and she
stayed in hiding.
Etymology: English muffle, "to quiet",
with a pseudo-Latin or pseudo-Italian
ending.
Multicorfors
Pronunciation: mull-tee-COR-fors
Description: Multicorfors is a charm
used to change the colour of one's
clothing.
Seen/Mentioned: It can be bought at
Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment in
Diagon Alley in LEGO Harry Potter:
Years 1-4. It may also be the same
charm as when Harry accidentally
changed the colour of his eyebrow,
before he asked Luna to Slughorn's
Christmas party. (Unlikely, as that was
performed as a Transfiguration exercise,
which is rather unrelated to Charms.)
Could have possibly been used when
Harry accidentally changed the colour of
his teachers hair, in his Primary School.
Nox (Wand-Extinguishing Charm)
 Pronunciation: Nocks
Description: Turns off the light
produced by Lumos.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1994, Harry Potter
and Hermione Granger used this spell to
turn off their wand-lights in the
Obliviate (Memory Charm)
Shrieking Shack. Used in 1998 when
Harry was in the passage beneath the
Whomping Willow which leads to the
Shrieking Shack. Lumos's power can be
arranged so that a powerful wizard can
make the charm illuminate intensely or
to the wizards liking by loudness of
incantation. For example "LUMOS!!!"
would be powerful and "lumos" would
be weaker. Also used by Harry Potter in
1998 to turn off the light so he could
hide the Marauder's Map from Severus
Snape.
Etymology: Latin nox, meaning "night".
Oculus Reparo
Description: Mends eyeglasses.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in
1991 and 1992 to fix Harry's glasses.
Notes: This spell is a variation of
Reparo.
(Obliteration Charm)
Description: Removes footprints.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in
1995 to remove the footprints that she,
Harry, and Ron left in the snow while
walking to Hagrid's hut. Also used in
1997 by Hermione to remove the
footprints she and Harry left behind
them in the snow as they journeyed
through Godric's Hollow.
Notes: The above instance in book five
only reveals that the Obliteration Charm
can remove footprints. There is no
explanation as to what effect it can have
on other things. It could possibly destroy
things, according to its name.
Pronunciation: oh-BLI-vee-ate
Description: Used to hide a memory of
a particular event.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in 1993
when used by Gilderoy Lockhart on
Harry and Ron; the spell backfired due
to a faulty wand, costing Lockhart most
of his own memory. Also, Hermione
Granger used this spell to wipe her
parents memories in 1997. Again, it was
used in 1997 when Hermione Granger
used the spell on 2 Death Eaters who
had followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione
after their escape from Bill Weasley's
and Fleur Delacour's wedding.
Etymology: Latin oblivisci, "forget".
The spell is most often used against
Muggles who have seen something of
the Wizarding world.
Notes: Memory Charms are confirmed
on J.K. Rowling's website to have been
developed by a witch named Mnemone
Radford, who became the Ministry's
first Obliviator. The Ministry of Magic
employees assigned to modifying the
memories of Muggles are called
Obliviators. The charm can be broken
by powerful magic, or extreme duress,
as Lord Voldemort was able to torture
Bertha Jorkins into remembering details
that Barty Crouch Snr had forced her to
forget using the charm. In this case, it
was also shown that if the charm is too
 powerful, it can cause the target to
develop a bad memory. This spell
differs from the False Memory Charm.
Obscuro
Pronunciation: ob-SK(Y)OOR-oh
Description: Causes a blindfold to
appear over the victim's eyes,
obstructing their view of their
surroundings.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger in 1997 to obstruct the portrait
of Phineas Nigellus's view of their
location.
Notes: This spell might only affect
characters in paintings; there are no
other references to this spell.
Etymology: English word obscure,
meaning "unclear" or "unnoticeable".
Oppugno (Oppugno Jinx)
Pronunciation: oh-PUG-noh
Description: Apparently causes animals
or beings of lesser intelligence to attack.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger in 1996 to attack Ron Weasley
with a summoned flock of canaries
during an argument.
Etymology: Latin oppugno, "I attack".
Orbis
Pronunciation: OR-biss
Description: Sucks the target into the
ground
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
in 1993.
Etymology: Orbis is Latin for 'circle',
which reflects the spell's physical
appearance.
Orchideous
Pronunciation: or-KID-ee-us
Description: Makes a bouquet of
flowers appear out of the caster's wand.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in 1994 by Mr
Ollivander to test Fleur Delacour's
wand. Probably used non-verbally by
Tom Riddle to present flowers to Mrs
Smith.
Etymology: English orchid and Latin
suffix -eous, "of or bearing (the root
word)".
Notes: A variation of this spell may
have been used when Hermione Granger
conjured a Christmas wreath to place on
James and Lily Potter's graves in 1997.
Pack
Pronunciation: pak
Description: Packs a trunk, or perhaps
any luggage.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry Potter
and the Prisoner of Azkaban by Remus
Lupin in his office, and in Harry Potter
and the Order of the Phoenix by
Nymphadora Tonks, once verbally and
again non-verbally.
(Patented Daydream Charm)
Pronunciation: Unknown
Description: Gives the spell caster a
highly-realistic 30-minute daydream.
 Side effects include mild drooling and a
vacant expression.
Seen/Mentioned: These were invented
by Fred and George Weasley and sold in
1996 at their joke shop, presumably in
the form of some kind of physical
object, similar to Skiving Snackboxes.
Partis Temporus
Pronunciation: PAR-tis temp-OAR-us
Description: Creates a temporary gap
through protective magical barriers.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Albus
Dumbledore in the Crystal Cave in film
adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-
Blood Prince. He uses it so that he and
Harry can pass through the ring of fire
used to ward off the Inferi.
Etymology: Partis is a plural form of
the French verb partir, which means "to
separate," "to go away," "to leave," or
"to depart." Temporis is Latin for
"time."
Periculum
Pronunciation: pur-ICK-you-lum
Description: Creates red sparks/flares
to shoot from the users wand
Seen/Mentioned: Used during the third
task of the Tri-wizard Tournament by
Harry. Also believed to have been used
in Pottermore, but is called the "Red
Sparks Spell".
Etymology: Periculum is Latin for
"danger".
(Permanent Sticking Charm)
Description: Makes objects
permanently stay in place.
Seen/Mentioned: First mentioned in
1995, when Sirius Black suspected that
his mother's painting was fixed to the
wall with such a Charm. It is implied
that the portrait in the Muggle Prime
Minister's office also has such a charm
on it.
Notes: It is never said whether the
charm prevents the object from being
removed by cutting away the section of
wall. The incantation could be gluten
sempra, meaning glue forever, or adher
sempra, which means stick forever.
Peskipiksi Pesternomi
Pronunciation: PES-key PIX-ee PES-
ter NO-mee
Description: The one time it was used,
it had absolutely no effect.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Lockhart to
attempt to remove Cornish Pixies.
Suggested Etymology: English pesky
meaning "annoying", English pixie
meaning "a supernatural being", English
pester meaning "to annoy", English no
for negative and English me for the first
person pronoun.
Notes: It is not known if the spell works
or not. It also suspiciously sounds like
"Pesky pixie pester no me."
Petrificus Totalus (Full Body-Bind Curse)
Pronunciation: pe-TRI-fi-cus to-TAH-
lus
Description: Used to temporarily bind
the victim's body in a position much like
 that of a soldier at attention; the victim
will usually fall to the ground.
Seen/Mentioned: First used in 1991 by
Hermione, who was trying to prevent
Neville from stopping her, Ron, and
Harry from leaving the common room to
hunt for the Philosopher's Stone, used in
the Hall of Prophecy in the film
adaptation of Harry Potter and the
Order of the Phoenix to petrify one of
the Death Eaters pursuing the group,
used on Harry by Draco Malfoy in the
train in 'Harry Potter and the Half-
Blood Prince, and used also in
Pottermore.
Etymology: Latin petra, meaning
"stone", and fieri (past participle factus),
meaning "to become"; totalus comes
from Latin "totus", meaning "complete".
Note: Albus Dumbledore used Petrificus
Totalus on Harry during the first Battle
of Hogwarts while Draco Malfoy
disarmed him.
Piertotum Locomotor
Pronunciation: pee-ayr-TOH-tum (or
peer-TOH-tum) loh-koh-MOH-tor
Description: Spell used to animate
statues and suits of armour to do the
caster's bidding.
Seen/Mentioned: In the Battle of
Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall used
this spell to animate the suits of armour
and statues within Hogwarts, to defend
the castle. Possibly used by Albus
Dumbledore to enchant the statues on
the fountain in the entrance to the
Ministry of Magic Department.
Etymology: Pier means "friend" or
"colleague", totum refers to "the whole"
or "total", and locomotor means "the
movement of".
(Placement Charm)
Description: A charm which
temporarily places an object upon a
desired target.
Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned in
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find
Them.
Point Me (Four-Point Spell)
Pronunciation: English phrase
Description: Causes the caster's wand
to act as a compass, and point North.
Seen/Mentioned: Hermione Granger
taught it to Harry Potter, who used it
during the Triwizard Tournament,
particularly to navigate the hedge maze
during the Third Task.
Note: This spell may be an invention of
Hermione Granger; it is unclear in the
Goblet of Fire text whether she invented
it herself or found it through research.
Given that the incantation is English
(whereas almost all other mentioned
spells have incantations based on Latin
or other old languages) and that none of
the other champions of the Tournament
seem to use the spell, it seems likely that
Hermione invented the spell.
Portus
Pronunciation: POR-tus
 Description: Turns an object into a
port-key
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Albus
Dumbledore in 1996.
Etymology: Latin porta, meaning
"gate", or portare, meaning "to carry"
(as in to carry the caster or target to
another location). There is a Latin word
portus, meaning "harbour", but it is
inappropriate in this context.
Notes: Portkeys were first seen in 1994
as a means for Harry, Hermione, and the
Weasleys to go to the Quidditch World
Cup. However, the spell used in its
creation was not seen until 1995.
Prior Incantato
Pronunciation: pri-OR in-can-TAH-toh
Description: Causes the echo (a shadow
or image) of the last spell cast by a wand
to emanate from it.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Amos
Diggory in 1994 to discover the last
spell cast by Harry's wand after it was
found in the hands of Winky, a house-
elf.
Etymology: Latin prior, "previous", and
incantare, "to speak a spell" (past
participle incantatum).
Notes: The nature of the "echo" depends
on the original spell. The echo of a
conjuring spell, for example, is the
object conjured; the echo of the
Cruciatus Curse is the screaming of the
victim; the echo of an Avada Kedavra
curse is the image of its victim.
Notes(2): Amos Diggory used this spell
to find out if Harry's wand (held by
Winky, Bartemius Crouch's house elf)
cast the Dark Mark.
Notes(3): Apparently the spell is
cumulative, with the user able to go
further back and see spells that the wand
performed after the latest spell. Harry
suggests this in 1997. Hermione does
not contradict his claim, suggesting this
is true.
(Protean Charm)
Description: Causes copies of an object
to be remotely affected by changes
made to the original.
Seen/Mentioned: First used in 1995.
Hermione Granger put the charm on a
number of fake Galleons. Instead of the
serial number around the edge of the
coin, the time and date of the next
meeting of Dumbledore's Army
appeared. It is possible that this charm is
used on the Death Eaters' Dark Marks.
Etymology: The English word Protean
derives from Proteus, a god in Greek
Mythology. Proteus was a shape-shifter,
able to take many forms. As a result, the
word Protean has come to refer to
versatility, flexibility, or an ability to
assume many forms. "Protean" is also
similar to "protein", derived from the
same root, meaning a variable, flexible
substance which forms strong bonds
between its constituent parts.
Notes: On Hermione's fake galleons,
when the date changes, the coin
becomes hot, alerting the owner to look
at the coin. This may not be a feature of
the original charm. It may be a Flagrante
Curse, when the Protean Charm changes
the coin the curse may activate. It would
seem from this that you can decide what
 the effects on the charmed objects are.
Possibly by saying something along the
lines of "Protean flagrante." although
this is just speculation.
Notes (2): The Protean Charm is a
N.E.W.T. standard charm, according to
Terry Boot, who is incredulous that
Hermione can perform the spell even
though she is only in her fifth year
(N.E.W.T.s are taken in the seventh year
at Hogwarts).
Protego (Shield Charm)
Pronunciation: pro-TAY-goh
pro-te-goh
Description: The Shield Charm causes
minor to moderate jinxes, curses, and
hexes to rebound upon the attacker,
protecting the caster.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in 1995, in
which Harry is taught this spell by
Hermione in preparation for the third
task in the Triwizard Tournament. Albus
Dumbledore uses a similar spell which
reverses the construction of glass back
into sand when Voldemort sent shards
of glass to try to stab Dumbledore. Fred
and George Weasley enchanted hats
they dubbed "shield hats" with this spell
in 1997.
Etymology: Latin protego, "I cover" or
"I protect".
Notes: The original description of this
spell states that it rebounds minor jinxes
to the caster. However, it is shown in the
books that it can also be used to reflect
or lessen the effects of more powerful
spells, depending on the skill of the
caster. In 1998, it is also shown to be
able to create a sort of force-field across
an area, and is used frequently to
prevent two participants in an argument
from reaching each other.
Protego Horribilis
Pronunciation: pro-TAY-goh horr-uh-
BIHL-ihs
Description: A powerful shield charm
against dark magic.
Seen/Mentioned: Cast by Professor
Flitwick in an attempt to strengthen the
castle's defences in the Battle of
Hogwarts.
Etymology: Latin Protego, "I protect",
and Horribilis, "horrible , frightful,
dreadful".
Protego Maxima
Pronunciation: pro-TAY-goh MAX-
ee-Ma
Description: A powerful shield charm
against dark magic. A stronger and
bigger version of Protego, especially
when combined with other wizards
casting it at the same time. Was so
powerful that it could also disintegrate
people that came too close and tried to
enter it.
Seen/Mentioned: Cast by Professor
Flitwick, Professor McGonagall,
Professor Slughorn and Mrs Weasley in
an attempt to strengthen the castle's
defences in the Battle of Hogwarts.
Etymology: Latin Protego, "I protect"
Protego Totalum
 Pronunciation: pro-TAY-goh prah-
TEH-go toh-TAH-lum
Description: Casts a shield charm over
a small area that will not let anything
pass through, except for the
Unforgivable Curses: Avada Kedavra,
Imperio and Crucio.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1997, this was one
of the spells used by Hermione Granger
and Harry Potter to protect their camp
site from unwanted visitors.
Etymology: Latin protego meaning "to
protect" and Latin totus meaning "as a
whole".[8]
(Purple Firecrackers)
Description: Causes purple firecrackers
to shoot out from the tip of one's wand.
Seen/Mentioned: On 31 October 1991,
Albus Dumbledore used this spell to get
the attention of panicking diners in the
Great Hall when a troll was loose in the
castle.
(Pus-squirting hex)
Description: Causes yellowish goo to
squirt from one's nose.
Seen/Mentioned: Morfin Gaunt used
this hex on Bob Ogden.
Quietus (Quietening Charm)
Pronunciation: KWIY-uh-tus
Description: Makes a magically
magnified voice return to normal. A
counter to Sonorus
Seen/Mentioned: Used in 1994 by
Ludo Bagman.
Etymology: Latin quietus, "calm" or
"quiet".
Notes: It is conjectural whether Quietus
could be used alone to magically quiet a
person's voice, or only counteracts
Sonorus.
Redactum Skullus
Pronunciation: red-AK-tum SKULL-us
Description: Redactum Skullus is a hex
that shrinks the target's head. It is the
counter-spell to Engorgio Skullus.
Seen/Mentioned: It can be bought at
Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment in
Diagon Alley in LEGO Harry Potter:
Years 1-4.
Reducio (Shrinking Charm)
Pronunciation: re-DOO-see-oh
Description: Makes an enlarged object
smaller. Counter-charm to Engorgio.
Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and
the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Harry
Potter, after checking his Blackthorn
wand on the Bluebell flames with
Engorgio, casts this spell to shorten the
formerly enlarged flames.
Etymology: English reduce, "to shrink".
(Latin has a verb reducere, present tense
reduco. This is the source of the English
"reduce", but has a different meaning.)
Also in Italian Riduco first person
present tense of Ridurre, same root of
Latin Reducere.
Notes: Whether Reducio could also be
used by itself rather than countering
Engorgio is unknown. If it could, it
would shrink normal sized items into
 miniature versions of themselves.
References in 1992 by Arthur Weasley
to "shrinking door keys" make this seem
likely.
Reducto (Reductor Curse)
Pronunciation: re-DUK-toh
Description: Breaks objects. In stronger
usages, disintegrates them.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1995, Harry used it
on one of the hedges of the Triwizard
maze and ends up burning a small hole
in it; in 1995, Gryffindors in Harry
Potter's year referenced Parvati Patil as
being able to reduce a table full of Dark
Detectors to ashes, and Harry and his
friends later used the spell in the
Department of Mysteries against the
Death Eaters, shattering many Prophecy
Orbs in the process; in 1997, a member
of the Order of the Phoenix attempted to
use this spell to break down a door
which Death Eaters had blocked when
the Death Eaters had cornered
Dumbledore in the Lightning Struck
Tower.
Etymology: English reduce, "to bring
down;destroy".
Notes: Reparo makes a good counter-
curse.
(Refilling Charm)
Description: Refills whatever the caster
points at with the drink originally in the
container.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry Potter
and the Half-Blood Prince, when Harry
notices that Hagrid and Slughorn are
running out of wine. This may have also
been in the Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows: Part 1 film as the
water in the cups are shown refilling
themselves.
(Reparifors)
Description: Reverts minor magically-
induced ailments, such as paralysis and
poisoning.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry Potter and the
Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
Relashio (Revulsion Jinx)
Pronunciation: Re-LASH-ee-oh
Description: A spell used to make the
subject release what ever it is holding or
binding.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry Potter
against Grindylows in the second task of
the Triwizard Tournament. Also used in
1997 and 1998, when Hermione used
this spell to free Mrs Cattermole from
the chained chair and to free the
Ukrainian Ironbelly on which they were
to get out from Gringotts.]]
Etymology: Probably from the French
verb relcher ="to release, to set free",
or Italian rilascio (pronounced the same
way as the spell)= "I release".
Rennervate
Pronunciation: ree-nur-VAH-tay,
REN-ur-vayt
Description: revives a stunned person.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1994, Amos
Diggory used it to wake up Winky and
Albus Dumbledore used it to wake up
Viktor Krum. Harry Potter later used it
 to try and reawaken a cursed
Dumbledore in the seaside cave.
Etymology: Officially renamed from
Ennervate by J.K. Rowling.[9]
Rennervate means "to energize", whilst
the former Ennervate, meant "to
weaken,".[10]
Reparifarge
Pronunciation: This information is
currently unknown.
Description: Used to reverse
unsuccessful transformations.
Seen/Mentioned: Seen only thus far in
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration
on Pottermore.
Etymology: This information is
currently unknown.
Reparo (Mending Charm)
Pronunciation: reh-PAH-roh
Description: Used to repair objects.
Seen/Mentioned: Countless times
throughout the books. Shattered objects
are often described as having "flown"
back together. However, substances
contained in the broken objects don't get
back inside. In 1995 Harry smashed a
bowl of murtlap essence. He could
repair the bowl but the murtlap essence
remained splashed to the floor.
Etymology: Latin reparo meaning "to
renew" or "repair".[8]
Notes: This is the final spell used in the
Harry Potter series. Reparo has been
seen to repair non-magical items,
however it seems to have an inability at
repairing magical items or items that
have magic placed upon them. An
example is Harry's Nimbus 2000 shown
in 1993 which he is told is irreparable
after it is destroyed by the Whomping
Willow. Wands are also irreparable, as
shown in 1992 when Ron's wand
snapped after he and Harry crashed onto
the Hogwarts grounds. Despite his use
of Spellotape, Ron's wand
malfunctioned throughout the entire
novel. Another example is in 1997 when
Hermione tried to fix Harry's broken
wand, which was snapped by her errant
Blasting Curse. However, Harry
repaired his wand with the Elder Wand.
Since the Elder Wand is the most
powerful wand in the universe, it makes
sense that it would produce the most
powerful Repairing Charm.
Repello Muggletum (Muggle-Repelling
Charm)
Pronunciation: reh-PELL-loh MUG-ul-
tum, MUGG-gleh-tum, mugg-GLEE-
tum
Description: Keeps Muggles away from
wizarding places by causing them to
remember important meetings they
missed and to cause the Muggles in
question to forget what they were doing.
Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned in
Quidditch Through the Ages as being
used to keep Muggles away from the
Quidditch World Cup. Hogwarts was
also said to be guarded by the Muggle-
Repelling Charm. It was also used by
Harry and Hermione on numerous
occasions, among many other spells, to
protect and hide their camp site in 1997.
Repello Inimicum
Snatchers being desintegrated by the power of
this spell combined with other protections
Pronunciation: re-PEH-lloh ee-nee-
MEE-cum
Description: Disintegrates the persons
entering this charm.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell was used
by professors Filius Flitwick and Horace
Slughorn along with Order of the
Phoenix member Molly Weasley to
protect Hogwarts Castle in 1998.
Etymology: Latin "Repello", meaning
"Push Back" and "inimicum", the
accusative singular form of "inimcus"
meaning "foe" or "enemy".
Revelio
Pronunciation: reh-VEL-ee-oh
Description: Reveals hidden objects
Rictusempra (Tickling Charm)
Harry Potter in the Duelling Club using
Rictusempra
Pronunciation: ric-tuhs-SEM-pra
Description: Causes an extreme tickling
sensation that, in the case of Draco
Malfoy, made him drop to the floor
laughing. In the film, this spell causes
the victim to be thrown in cartwheels
through the air, rather than tickling
them.
Seen/Mentioned: By Harry Potter on
Draco Malfoy in 1992, when they
fought in the Duelling Club.
Etymology: Possibly the sum of two
words; The Latin rictus, meaning "The
expanse of an open mouth", and semper,
meaning "Always". Rictus is generally
used as an expression of terror,
however, "always an open mouth"
would, in most cases, correspond to the
act of laughing uncontrollably.
Notes: It can be bought at Wiseacre's
Wizarding Equipment in Diagon Alley
in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4.
Riddikulus
Pronunciation: rih-dih-KUL-lus
Description: A spell used when fighting a
Boggart, "Riddikulus" forces the Boggart to take
the appearance of an object the caster is focusing
on. Best results can be achieved if the caster is
focusing on something humorous, with the
desire that laughter will weaken the Boggart.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in 1993,
when taught by Remus Lupin.
Etymology: Latin word ridiculus,
"laughable" (but perhaps "absurd" or
"silly" in this context).
Notes: The effect of the spell seems to
rely primarily on the state of mind of the
caster. It doesn't actually change the
shape of a boggart into something
humorous, but rather whatever the caster
is concentrating on at the moment of the
casting, as when Neville was thinking of
his grandmother's dress. Presumably,
Mrs Weasley couldn't take her mind off
of her fears for her family, so the
Boggart was changed into other
members of the family rather than
something humorous.
(Rose Growth)
 Description: Causes rosebushes grow at
an unusually fast pace.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry Potter Trading
Card Game
Notes: This spell may be related to
Herbivicus.
(Rowboat spell)
Description: A spell invented by Hagrid
which propels row boats to a pre-set
destination.
Seen/mentioned: Hagrid used the spell
on the row-boats at Hogwarts, to
transport the First years from
Hogsmeade Station to the Boathouse. It
may also have been the spell that he
used to propel the row-boat that he used
to take Harry from the Hut-on-the-Rock
back to the mainland in 1991.
Salvio Hexia
Pronunciation: SAL-vee-oh HECKS-
ee-ah
Description: Unknown, as it was one of
several spells that were used to help
strengthen Harry's camp-site, and had no
seen effects. Possibly deflects minor
hexes aimed at an object (the tent)
Etymology: Possibly derived from the
Latin "salveo," meaning "to be in good
health," and used as a form of greeting
and farewell, and a pseudo-Latin
derivative of the English word "hex"
hence, "Farewell, hexes!"
Seen/Mentioned: Harry and Hermione
cast this spell to strengthen their camp-
site's defences against intruders in 1997.
Notes: Possibly the Hex Deflection
spells the fake Moody mentioned in
1994.
Sardine hex
Pronunciation: Unknown
Description: Causes sardines to come
out of the victim's nose.
Seen/Mentioned: Rubeus Hagrid once
had this hex used on him.
Scorching Spell
Description: Produces dancing flames
which presumably scorch the opponent.
Seen/Mentioned: Professor
McGonagall used this spell on Professor
Snape in 1998.
Scourgify (Scouring Charm)
Pronunciation: SKUR-jih-fiy
Description: Used to clean something.
Seen/Mentioned: First used by
Nymphadora Tonks to clean Hedwig's
cage in 1995. Later, Ginny Weasley
performed the spell to clean up the
Stinksap on the Hogwarts Express, also
used by James Potter on Severus Snape
after he shouted various curses and
obscenities at him.
Etymology: Perhaps related to English
scour, "clean". -ify is a common English
suffix meaning "to make ...". Therefore
scourgify could mean "to make clean".
Sectumsempra
Pronunciation: sec-tum-SEMP-rah
 Description: A dark spell that creates
large, blood-oozing gashes on the
subject as if said subject had been
"slashed by a sword". Invented by
Severus Snape.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry in
1997 against Draco Malfoy, and then
later against both the Inferi in Lord
Voldemort's Horcrux chamber, and
Snape used it against George Weasley
(was unintentional; aimed for a Death
Eater that tried to curse Lupin) in the
Order's flight from Privet Drive. Harry
learned it in Snape's old Potions
textbook. In 1998, the spell is said to be
Severus Snape's "signature" spell.
Etymology: Latin sectum, "cut", and
semper, "always".
Notes: The spell can apparently be used
against any object, but was not effective
when used against Inferi because they
could not feel pain or bleed. The
movement of the wand seems to affect
how someone is cut, suggested by the
erratic patterns of slashes left on Draco
Malfoy's face and chest, produced by
Harry Potter's wild wand-swings while
using the spell against Draco. Wounds
caused by this spell can be healed as
proved by Severus Snape who after
Harry hit Draco Malfoy with this spell
he healed Draco's wounds and told him
to go and get treated with dittany at once
so that he would even avoid any sign of
any wound. However it seems that it
depends on the caster's magical abilities
because Molly Weasley could not heal
and restore George Weasley's ear that
was cursed off by this spell.
Shield penetration spell
Pronunciation: unknown
Description: Presumably annihilates
magical enchantments and shields.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Voldemort
to break the enchantments placed around
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry in 1998 by Filius Flitwick,
Minerva McGonagall, and Molly
Weasley.
Etymology: unknown
Shooting Spell
Description: Used to shoot objects
Seen/Mentioned: This spell was used
by Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley in
1997 on their Horcrux hunt in an
attempt to catch a rabbit for food.
Smashing spell
Description: Produces explosions
Seen/Mentioned: Bellatrix Lestrange
used this spell in her insane celebratory
outburst after the death of Albus
Dumbledore in 1997.
Serpensortia (Snake Summons Spell)
Pronunciation: ser-pen-SOR-shah,
SER-pehn-SOR-tee-ah
Description: Conjures a serpent from
the spell-caster's wand.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Draco
Malfoy while duelling Harry Potter in
1992.
Etymology: Latin serpens meaning "a
snake" and Latin ortis meaning
"source".[8]
Silencio (Silencing Charm)
Pronunciation: sih-LEN-see-oh
Description: Makes something silent.
Seen/Mentioned: First used by
Hermione in 1996 to silence a frog and a
raven in Charms class, then later used to
silence a Death Eater that was trying to
tell his comrades where they were.
Etymology: Probably Latin silentium,
"silence". Also, silencio and silncio
(which is closer to the English
pronunciation) mean "silence" in
Spanish and Portuguese, respectively.
Skurge
Pronunciation: SKUR-je
Description: Cleans up ectoplasm, the
slime-like residue left by certain ghosts.
The spell manifests as a blast of
greenish suds.
Seen/Mentioned: The Harry Potter and
the Chamber of Secrets video game.
Harry finds it in a spell book in the
Restricted Section of the Hogwarts
Library(possibly misfiled) and uses it to
clear doorways and treasure chests that
have been slimed-over by malevolent
ghosts.
Slugulus Eructo (Slug-vomiting Charm)
Description: A jet of green light strikes
the victim, who then vomits slugs for
ten minutes. The sizes of the vomited
slugs decrease with time.
Seen/Mentioned: In Chamber of
Secrets, Ron attempts to use a
(technically)nonverbal version of this
spell on Draco; the spell backfired and
hit him instead thanks to his damaged
wand. It is also a spell that can be
bought in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-
4.
Notes: In the film adaptation of Harry
Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, an
incantation was used, "Eat Slugs!", it's
unknown if that's its true incantation or
not, although it is unlikely to be.
(Sonorous Charm)
Description: This charm emits a
magnified roar from the tip of the wand.
This noise disrupts all in its path, and
can even be used to harm opponents.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry Potter and the
Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
Sonorus (Amplifying Charm)
Pronunciation: soh-NOHR-uhs
Description: Magnifies the spell caster's
voice when one's wand is pointing to the
side of the caster's neck.
Seen/Mentioned: By Ludo Bagman in
1994 at the beginning of the Quidditch
World Cup and by Albus Dumbledore
several times in the Triwizard
Championship. Used by Lord
Voldemort several times during the
Battle of Hogwarts in 1998.
Etymology: Latin sonorus, "loud;
noisy".
Notes: The counter-spell is Quietus. In
the film adaptation of Harry Potter and
the Goblet of Fire Cornelius Fudge
simply holds his wand to his throat
while speaking, it is possible that he has
performed a Nonverbal spell.
Specialis Revelio (Scarpin's Revelaspell)
Pronunciation: speh-see-AH-LIS reh-
VEL-ee-oh
Description: Apparently causes an
object to show its hidden secrets or
magical properties.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione
Granger to find out more of Harry's
Advanced Potion-Making book in 1996.
Used by Ernie Macmillan to find out
ingredients of a potion. Its precise
effects are unknown, as there are no
recorded occasions of the spell being
successful.
Etymology: Latin specialis,
"particular;individual" and revelare
(present tense revelo), "unveil".
Notes: In 1994, Severus Snape cast a
similar spell, but with different words
("Reveal your secrets!"), on the
Marauder's Map, though he may have
just been saying those words as he cast
the spell non-verbally. The spell may
also be able to distinguish different
ingredients in a potion, though this is
noted to merely sound impressive.
Spongify (Softening Charm)
Pronunciation: spun-JIH-fy
Description: Softens the target
Seen/Mentioned: This charm is seen in
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1
on Pottermore.
(Stealth Sensoring Spell)
Description: Detects those under
magical disguise.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1996, Professor
Umbridge cast this around her office.
Steleus
Pronunciation: ST-lee-us
Description: A hex that causes the
victim to sneeze for a short period of
time. This spell is used in duelling to
distract the opponent.
Seen/Mentioned: It is only seen in
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of
Azkaban (video game).
Etymology: Steleus derives from the
Latin sternuo, meaning I sneeze.
(Stinging Hex, Stinging Jinx)
Description: Produces a stinging
sensation in the victim, resulting in
angry red welts and occasionally the
severe inflammation of the affected
area.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry Potter
inadvertently used one on Severus
Snape during Occlumency lessons in
1996. It was non-debilitating in that
instance, but it is stronger when
intentionally cast, as shown by the
results of Hermione Granger's Stinging
Hex used on Harry Potter in 1998 to
purposefully distort Harry's appearance.
Lucius Malfoy calls it the Stinging Jinx
in Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows.
Stupefy (Stunning Spell)
Pronunciation: STOO-puh-fye
 Description: Stuns victim. If used too
forcefully, it will put the victim in an
unconscious state.
Seen/Mentioned: Often; particularly by
a number of wizards and witches
(including Dolores Umbridge) against
Minerva McGonagall in 1996. It's also
taught by Harry in his D.A. meetings.
Etymology: English stupefy, which
means 'to put into a stupor', a temporary
vegetative state.
Notes: The physical manifestation of the
spell is a beam of red light emanating
from the caster's wand. The spell wears
off after a short time, and can be
countered by Rennervate. Nearly useless
on magic-resistant creatures such as
dragons, trolls and giants unless more
than one Stupefy spell is used at the
same time. The force of the spell is
additive or perhaps even exponential,
and it can cause severe injury if many
spells are used on a target that is not
normally resistant to its effects. Hagrid,
as a half-giant, is impervious to this
spell - or at least, a lone one.
(Supersensory Charm)
Description: Presumably causes the
caster to have enhanced senses, or to be
able to sense things they would not
normally sense.
Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned by Ron
outside of the Hogwarts Express in 2017
as a potential substitute for using
mirrors while driving a Muggle auto
mobile.
(Switching Spell)
Description: Causes two objects to be
switched for one another
Seen/Mentioned: Harry contemplated
using this spell against his dragon in the
first task of the Triwizard Tournament.
((He considered swapping its fangs for
wine gums)). Neville Longbottom
misuses the spell, transplanting his ears
onto a cactus.
(Taboo)
Description: A jinx which may be
placed upon a word or a name, so that
whenever that word is spoken, a magical
disturbance is created which alerts the
caster of the Taboo to the location of the
speaker. Any protective enchantments in
effect around the speaker are broken
when the Tabooed word is spoken
aloud.
Seen/Mentioned: In Deathly Hallows,
this spell is placed on the word
"Voldemort"; Harry, Ron and Hermione
are tracked this way to Tottenham Court
Road. Ron tells the other two to stop
using the word as he began to fear the
name might be a jinx, later discovering
it to be a Taboo. Later in the book,
Harry accidentally says Voldemort's
name again, resulting in the trio being
caught by Death Eaters and taken to
Malfoy Manor.
Tarantallegra (Dancing Feet Spell)
Pronunciation: tuh-RAHN-tuh-LEHG-
rah
Description: Makes victim's legs dance
uncontrollably (recalling the tarantella
dance).
 Seen/Mentioned: First used by Draco
Malfoy on Harry in the Duelling Club in
1992.
Etymology: Italian tarantella, a kind of
fast country dance once popular in parts
of Italy, supposedly from the frantic
motion caused by the bite of a tarantula;
and allegro, a musical term meaning
"quick".
Notes: It can be bought at Wiseacre's
Wizarding Equipment in Diagon Alley
in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4.
Teleportation Spell
Description: Vanishes objects which
then appear elsewhere.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1996, Albus
Dumbledore used this to transport Harry
Potter's school supplies, clothes, and
owl to the Burrow,
Tentaclifors
Description: Transfigures the target's
head into a tentacle.
Seen/Mentioned: LEGO Harry Potter:
Years 5-7.
Tergeo
Pronunciation: TUR-jee-oh
Description: Siphons liquid
Seen/Mentioned: Hermione Granger
used the spell in 1996 to remove blood
from Harry's face. It is later used to
remove spilled ink from parchment. It
was also used in 1997 to clean off a
handkerchief by Ron and to dust off a
picture of Gellert Grindelwald in
Bathilda Bagshot's house by Harry
Potter.
Etymology: Latin tergere, "wipe off;
cleanse".
Titillando (Tickling Hex)
Description: Tickles and weakens
Seen/Mentioned: Harry Potter Trading
Card Game, later seen in spells/duels on
Pottermore
(Toenail Growth Hex)
Description: Causes the toenails to
grow at an extreme and uncontrollable
rate.
Seen/Mentioned: In 1996, Harry uses
this to much applause from classmates.
Notes: This is a hex that is probably not
approved by the Ministry of Magic, as it
was invented by Severus Snape. And it
is unknown whether "Toenail Growth
Hex" is its real name, as its title was
never mentioned.
(Tooth-growing spell)
Description: A spell that re-grows lost
teeth.
Seen/Mentioned: Ted Tonks used it to
re-grow Harry Potter's tooth that he had
lost during the Battle of the Seven
Potters.
(Transmogrifian Torture)
Description: Unknown effect upon
victim; most likely extreme torture that
can lead to death. Given the source, the
Torture may not actually exist.
 Seen/Mentioned: Gilderoy Lockhart
suggested that it was this curse that
"killed" Mrs Norris after she was really
found petrified on a torch bracket.
Etymology: English "transmogrify",
meaning "to change or alter greatly,
often to grotesque effect", possibly
implying that the curse changes the
shape of the victim to cause pain.
(Trip Jinx)
Description: A jinx to trip up or impede
the target. Precise effects unknown.
Seen/Mentioned: Seen in 1996. It was
cast successfully on Harry Potter by
Draco Malfoy, when he and other
members of the Inquisitorial Squad
attempted to round up members of
Dumbledore's Army.
Notes: In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-
4, it can be bought at Wiseacre's
Wizarding Equipment in Diagon Alley.
(Unbreakable Vow)
Description: Causes a vow taken by a
witch or wizard to be inviolable; if they
should break it, the consequence is
death.
Seen/Mentioned: Snape takes an
Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy
at the beginning of Half-Blood Prince,
vowing to help Narcissa's son Draco
with a task given to him by Voldemort,
and to finish the task should Draco
prove incapable. Fred and George
attempted to force an Unbreakable Vow
upon Ron as children. According to
Ron, it causes death when the vow is
broken.
(Unbreakable Charm)
Description: Makes something
unbreakable.
Seen/Mentioned: Towards the end of
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,
Hermione casts the charm on a jar, in
which she puts Rita Skeeter in her
Animagus beetle form to prevent her
from transforming back into a human.
(Undetectable Extension Charm)
Description: Causes a container's
capacity to be increased, without
changing the object's appearance on the
outside.
Seen/Mentioned: This spell is most
likely the one Arthur Weasley used to
allow eight people, six large trunks, two
owls, and a rat to fit comfortably inside
his modified Ford Anglia in 1992.
Probably used on the tent in which the
Weasleys, Harry and Hermione stay
during the Quidditch World Cup in
1994; the tent is also used by Harry, Ron
and Hermione as shelter in 1997. Also,
Hermione cast this spell upon her
handbag in the same year.
Ventus (Ventus Jinx)
Pronunciation: ven-TUS
Description: A strong blast of wind is
shot from the end of the wand, used to
push objects out of the way.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in the video
game version of Harry Potter and the
Goblet of Fire.
Etymology: Ventus is a Latin word,
meaning "wind".
Notes: Not said aloud in the books or in
the films, but quite possibly the Hot-Air
 Charm Hermione and Dumbledore use
in the books to produce a stream of
warm air from the tip of their wands to
dry off.
Ventus Duo
Description: A stronger version of the
Ventus Jinx
Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and
the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
Vera Verto
Pronunciation: vair-uh-VAIR-toh
Description: Turn animals to water
goblets.
Seen/Mentioned: Used only once in the
series, by Minerva McGonagall in the
film adaptation of Harry Potter and the
Chamber of Secrets at her
Transfiguration class. Also used by
Ronald Weasley unsuccessfully in the
same class thanks to his damaged wand.
Etymology: From Latin vera meaning
"right" or "proper", and verto, meaning
I turn.
Verdillious
Pronunciation: ver-DILL-ee-us
Description: A spell used to shoot
green sparks from the end of the wand.
Seen/Mentioned: Seen in the trading
card game.
Verdimillious
Pronunciation: VERD-dee-MILL-lee-
us
Description: A spell that shoots green
sparks at the end of the wand.
Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times
from 1991 until 1994.
Verdimillious Duo
Pronunciation: VERD-dee-MILL-lee-
us
Description: A more powerful version
of Verdimillious.
Seen/Mentioned: Learned in first-year
defence against the dark arts class.
Vipera Evanesca
Pronunciation: VIYP-er-uh ehv-uhn-
EHS-kuh
Description: Counter Spell for
Serpensortia. Seems not to merely
"Vanish", but causes the snake to
smoulder from head and tail until it is
reduced to a pile of ashes.
Seen/Mentioned: Severus Snape cast
this spell in 1992 at the Duelling Club to
get rid of a snake that Draco Malfoy had
conjured while duelling Harry Potter.
Albus Dumbledore also may have used
this spell to vanish Voldemort's snake
during their Duel in the Ministry
Atrium.
Etymology: Vipera is a genus of
venomous vipers, a type of snake.
Evanesca likely shares its origin with
Evanesco, which means "disappear" in
Latin.
Vulnera Sanentur
Pronunciation: vul-nur-ah sahn-en-tur
Description: Causes wounds and gashes
to heal up and any blood to return to the
victim.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Severus
Snape to heal the wounds of Draco
Malfoy caused by the Sectumsempra
curse cast by Harry Potter in film
adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-
Blood Prince.
Etymology: Vulnera Sanentur derives
from the Latin vulnus, "wound,"[11] and
sanare, "to heal"; it is translated "may
the wounds be healed."[12]
Waddiwasi
Pronunciation: wah-dee-WAH-see
 Description: Appears to launch small
objects through the air, though it was
only ever used on a wad of chewing
gum.
Seen/Mentioned: Used only once
through the series, and that was by
Professor Remus Lupin, who attacked a
poltergeist with a wad of chewing gum,
using this spell.
motorbike; Ron used it again this year to
make a twig poke a tree.
Etymology: "Wingardium" almost
certainly contains English wing,
meaning "fly"[13], and Latin arduus,
meaning "high"[14]. "Leviosa" probably
originates from Latin levis, meaning
"light".

Etymology: There are many

possibilities as to the etymology, least of
all English wad, as in "a wad of gum".

Notes: This spell may be the Placement

Charm, or else the Oppugno Jinx.

(Washing up spell)

Description: Enchanted dirty dishes to

wash themselves.

Seen/Mentioned: It was used non-

verbally by Molly Weasley after
preparing breakfast for Harry Potter
upon his arrival to the Burrow on 4
August, 1992.

Wingardium Leviosa (Levitation Charm)

Pronunciation: win-GAR-dee-um lev-

ee-OH-sa

Description: Levitates, moves and

manipulates the target(similar to
telekinesis); the wand motion is
described as "swish and flick".

Seen/Mentioned: This spell is taught in

early first-year charms classes; this
came into good use later in that year,
when Ron Weasley performed the spell
to knock out a mountain troll; six years
later, Harry uses the charm to levitate
the side-car of his godfather's flying