Spells in Harry Potter

In the magical| world of the Harry Potter series of fictional novels by J. K. Rowling, many things are accomplished through the use of magical spells| by the characters. A more general discussion of spells and similar magic in the world of J. K. Rowling can be found in the article Magic (Harry Potter).

This article is about spells that are specifically mentioned and/or demonstrated in the novels or other writings of J. K. Rowling, as opposed to spells that appear only in the movies or games.

Magical language in Harry Potter
Spell incantations are drawn from words and phrases used in several languages, particularly Latin|. While author J.K. Rowling studied Classics and the French language in Paris, she is not a linguist; her aim was primarily to tell a good story, and not to create a consistent linguistic system. Thus various "magical terms" used in the books may not be entirely consistent; most spells resemble Latin words of appropriate meaning, but are not exactly Latin themselves.

Non-verbal spells
Most spells are listed by their incantation, with their vernacular name in parentheses, when known. Some spells have no known incantation– the only canonical reference is by an informal name. It is possible to omit shouting the incantation aloud in order to gain a tactical advantage when duelling; such spells can generally only be identified by their effects. As most people, including skilled adults, appear to generally use incantations, saying them aloud seems generally preferable in terms of efficacy.

Accio (Summoning Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Various suggestions have been made:
 * (AK-ee-o) - classical Latin (film)
 * (AK-see-o) - (audiobook)
 * (AH-see-o) - (Scholastic) English


 * Description: This charm summons an object to the caster, potentially over a significant distance. It can be used in two ways: by casting the charm, and then naming the object desired ("Accio Firebolt"), or by pointing the wand at the desired object during or immediately following the incantation to "pull" it toward the user. In either case, the caster must concentrate upon the object they wish to summon in order for the charm to succeed. The caster doesn't necessarily need to know the location if they say the name of the object to be summoned. This is proven when Hermione explains in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that she summoned the Horcrux books from Dumbledore's office by merely saying "Accio Horcrux books!" while in Gryffindor Tower.
 * Seen/Mentioned: The spell is used throughout the series, most notably when Harry summoned his broom to complete the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, as well as to summon the Portkey to escape in the Battle of the Graveyard. It is also used in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to try to summon the Horcruxes, and Harry even tries to summon a falling Hagrid. However, these attempts never succeeded.  It was also used as a quicker way to find objects in Hermione's depth-enlarged beaded handbag.
 * Etymology: The Latin word accio means "I call" or "I summon".

(Age-Line Spell)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Creates a line that is impassable by people below a set age.
 * Seen/Mentioned: This was used by Albus Dumbledore| in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to stop underage students from placing their names into the Goblet of Fire, as potential candidates for the Triwizard Tournament.
 * Notes: The Age-Line is impassable even by users of age-potions (proven by Fred and George). Thus, it works for calendar age, not physical age.

Aguamenti

 * Pronunciation: AH-gwa-MEN-tee or AGUA-menti (IPA: )
 * Description: Produces a jet of water from the witch or wizard's wand.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Fleur Delacour in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to put out her skirt, which had caught fire during her challenge against a dragon. Harry uses it twice in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: once in an attempt to give Dumbledore a drink to lessen the effects of Voldemort's potion, and once to douse Hagrid's hut after it was set on fire by a Death Eater. Hermione used it to put out Mundungus's searing eyebrows in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was used again by Harry in the same book in an attempt to douse Vincent Crabbe's Fiendfyre curse.
 * Etymology: Possibly an extension of Spanish words agua ("water") and mente ("mind").

Alohomora

 * Pronunciation: AL-lo-ha-MOR-ah (IPA: )
 * Description: Used to open and unlock doors. It is not effective on doors bewitched to resist this spell.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used throughout the series, its first use was by Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on the third floor corridor door in Hogwarts, behind which was Fluffy|.
 * Etymology: Probably an abbreviated form of the dog Latin sentence "alo hoc mora" intended to mean "I raise this barrier", or possibly from the Hawaiian| aloha, meaning "hello" or, as in this case, "farewell", coupled with the Latin mora, meaning "obstacle".
 * Notes: The spell can also be used to unseal doors upon which the Colloportus spell| has been cast.

Anapneo

 * Pronunciation: ah-NAP-nee-oh (IPA: )
 * Description: Clears the target's airway, if blocked.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Professor Slughorn cast this on Marcus Belby when the latter began to choke in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
 * Etymology: From the Greek verb anapneo (αναπνεω), "I breathe in". Compare apnea.
 * Notes: Anapneo and Episkey|, which are first used in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, are the first spells in the series derived from Greek.

(Anti-Cheating Spell)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Cast on parchment to prevent the writer from cheating while writing answers.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Near exam times at Hogwarts (see Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix).

(Anti-Disapparition Jinx)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Used to prevent Disapparition| in an area for a time. Presumably can be used to prevent an enemy from entering a defended area, or used to trap an enemy in an area.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix during the Death Eater attack on the Department of Mysteries|. It was also cast long ago on the Hogwarts grounds, presumably by the Hogwarts Headmaster| of the time.

(Antonin Dolohov's Curse)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: The curse appears to cause serious internal injury, but it does not show any external symptoms. It is cast with a slashing motion, and it sends out zigzagging purple flames.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Antonin Dolohov| three times during the battle between the Death Eaters and members of Dumbledore's Army at the Ministry of Magic (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix).
 * Notes: Shortly after Hermione| used the silencing charm on Dolohov, he cast this spell at her just by mouthing the words. The spell hit her in the stomach, massively injuring but not killing her. It is implied in the text that the spell's effect may have been weakened by Dolohov's inability to say the incantation. However, Dolohov later regained the use of his voice and appeared to use the spell non-verbally again, so it is possible the spell is designed to be non-verbal.

Aparecium

 * Pronunciation: AH-par-EE-see-um (IPA: )
 * Description: This spell makes invisible ink, and perhaps invisible items in general, appear.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First used in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Hermione Granger tries to make any hidden writing appear in Tom Marvolo Riddle's diary|.
 * Etymology: The Latin apparere means "to appear". It is unclear from where the end of the word (-ecium) originates. The word "paramecium" is a New Latin word for a genus of protozoa; the segment -mecium here appears to be derived from the Greek mekes (μεκης), "length". In addition, -ium and -cium are not uncommon as Latin noun endings. It is probable that Rowling simply intended a meaningless mock-Latin ending.
 * Notes: See also Specialis Revelio|.

(Apparition/Disapparition)

 * Pronunciation: None
 * Description: Causes the user to magically teleport from one place to another. It is imprecise over long distances.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used throughout the series, but not allowed to perform if under the age of 17. Harry and his classmates take classes in Apparition in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
 * Notes: If done incorrectly, the user can splinch themselves, causing a part of their body to be separated and left behind.

(Atmospheric Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Modifies or creates certain weather conditions; can be applied indoors as well.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it apparently malfunctioned which caused rain to fall in Yaxley's| office at the Ministry.

Avada Kedavra (Killing Curse)

 * Pronunciation: uh-VAH-dah kuh-DAHV-rah (IPA: )
 * Description: One of the three "Unforgivable Curses". Causes instant, painless death, and leaves no physical signs of cause of death. There is no known counter-curse or blocking spell, but the spell can be blocked by physical cover (which will be heavily damaged in the process), and the caster is still required to aim to hit the target. This spell produces a flash of green light; just before it hits the target, a rushing sound (similar to an oncoming high-speed object) is heard.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Throughout the series. Most notably, this was the spell used to kill Harry Potter|'s parents. Lord Voldemort is known for killing many people with his curse.
 * Etymology: From the Aramaic אבדא כדברא avada kedavra, meaning I destroy as I speak.

Avis

 * Pronunciation: AH-vis (IPA: )
 * Description: This charm creates a flock of birds which pour forth from the caster's wand. When coupled with Oppugno|, it can be used offensively.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire by Mr Ollivander to test Viktor Krum's wand. It is also employed by Hermione| in Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince, along with Oppugno| against Ron|.
 * Etymology: The Latin avis means "bird".

(Bat-Bogey Hex)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Grotesquely enlarges the target's "bogies" (British slang for nasal mucus, also known as "boogers" in the U.S.), gives them wings, and sets them attacking the target.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Particularly in reference to Ginny Weasley, who uses it on Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and on Zacharias Smith| in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Ginny is considered to be an accomplished caster of this particular hex.
 * Notes: This may also be the "Curse of the Bogies" mentioned by Ron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as a potential punishment should either Hermione| or Neville| get him and Harry in trouble. However, "bogey" can also mean a monster or a spectre.

(Bedazzling Hex)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Similar to a Disillusionment Charm|, it can be used to conceal a person or an object.
 * Seen/Mentioned: By Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when describing how Harry's invisibility cloak is the only thing that can make a person truly invisible, not requiring a Disillusionment Charm or a Bedazzling Hex.
 * Notes: Is used to make invisibility cloaks, although cloaks made by using a Bedazzling Hex are not true cloaks of invisibility.

(Bubble-Head Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Puts a large bubble of air around the head of the user. Used as a magical equivalent of a breathing set.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Cedric Diggory and Fleur Delacour used this underwater in the second task of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It was also used by many Hogwarts students when walking through the hallways in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, because of the bad smells caused by the various pranks played on Dolores Umbridge.

(Caterwauling Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Anyone entering the perimeter of a Caterwauling Charm sets off a high-pitched shriek.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Cast by Death Eaters over Hogsmeade to protect against intruders (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).
 * Notes: Could be another form of the Intruder Charm.

Cave Inimicum

 * Pronunciation: KAH-vay ih-nih-MEE-sum (IPA: {{IPA|/ˈkæ.ve ɪ.ˈnɪ.mɪ.kʌm/})
 * Description: Spell used to strengthen an enclosure from enemies. It is also possible, however, that this is the Intruder Charm mentioned by Professor Horace Slughorn| in the sixth book, which warns the caster of intruders within a certain set boundary and sets off a magical alarm.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione| and Harry| to strengthen their campsite's defences in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
 * Etymology: Latin căvĕa (an enclosure around a tree to protect from injury [may apply to tent]). Alternatively, Latin cavere ("to beware"), the imperative being cave, and Latin ĭnĭmīcus (Meaning unfriendly, hostile, and enemy). The incantation could also be taken to mean "warn of intruders" and not just "ward away intruders".

(Cheering Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes the person upon whom the spell was cast to become happy and contented, though heavy-handedness with the spell may cause the person to break into an uncontrollable laughing fit.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
 * Notes: Invented by Felix Summerbee|.

Colloportus

 * Pronunciation: cul-loh-POR-tus (IPA: )
 * Description: This spell will magically lock a door, preventing it from being opened by Muggle means.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by Hermione| in the Department of Mysteries| against some Death Eaters.
 * Etymology: Perhaps a portmanteau of the Latin words colligere ("gather" or "collect") and porta ("gate"). The Greek root kolla also means "glue" and becomes collo- in many English words. Notably, the spell causes a door to seal itself "with an odd squelching noise". It may also be derived from portcullis, which was used in medieval times as a barricade or last line of defence.
 * Notes: The Death Eaters did succeed in opening a door locked with Colloportus using Alohomora|.

(Colour-Change Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Changes an object's colour.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry's Ordinary Wizarding Levels in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It may also be the same charm as Harry uses in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to change the colour of his eyebrow, before asking Luna to Slughorn's Christmas party. (Unlikely, as that was performed as a Transfiguration exercise, which is rather unrelated to Charms.)

(Concealment Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Used to conceal something.

Confringo (Blasting Curse)

 * Pronunciation: con-FRIN-goh (hard "g") or con-FRIN-joh (IPA:  or )
 * Description: Causes anything that the spell comes into contact with to explode.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry| to destroy the side-car of the flying motorbike during the battle against the Death Eaters in the beginning of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Later, Hermione uses it in an attempt to kill Nagini and facilitate an escape from Bathilda Bagshot's house in Godric's Hollow.
 * Etymology: Confringo is Latin for "I break".

Confundo (Confundus Charm)

 * Pronunciation: con-FUN-doh (IPA: )
 * Description: Causes the victim to become confused and befuddled.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First mentioned in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, when Severus Snape suggests that Harry and Hermione have been Confunded so that they will believe Sirius Black's claim to innocence. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, it is suggested that the Confundus Charm is responsible for the Goblet choosing a fourth Triwizard contestant. It is first seen in action when Hermione Granger uses it on Cormac McLaggen during Quidditch tryouts in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The Confundus Charm is used multiple times in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows including: Severus Snape on Ministry of Magic Official John Dawlish|, Harry Potter while under his Invisibility Cloak on two  Gringotts| wizard guards who are wielding Probity Probes, and again by Severus Snape on  Mundungus Fletcher| under orders from Albus Dumbledore. While under the influence of the Confundus Charm,  Mundungus| then "suggests" to the Order of the Phoenix| they use seven Harrys to confuse  Voldemort| while they move him from  Number Four Privet Drive| to  The Burrow|. The Confundus Charm is also used in the epilogue by the adult Ron Weasley as the means used to pass his Muggle driving exam.
 * Etymology: The word "confundus" appears to be derived from the Latin confundere, meaning "to confuse; to perplex", whereas confundo means "I confuse". Similarly, it may also derive from the english word "confound".

(Conjunctivitus Curse)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: A curse that affects the victim's vision.
 * Seen/Mentioned: It is suggested by Sirius Black in the letter he sent Harry and used by Viktor Krum for the first task of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It was also used by Madame Maxime in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on giants.
 * Etymology: Presumably, the common name is derived from the disease of that name|, more commonly known as "pink eye" or "caterpillar eye" due to its scabby inflammation.

Crucio (Cruciatus Curse)

 * Pronunciation: KROO-see-oh (IPA: )
 * Description: Inflicts intense pain on the recipient of the curse. One of the three Unforgivable Curses.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Barty Crouch Jr., impersonating the ex-Auror Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody|, uses it on a spider during a "class demonstration" in a Defence Against the Dark Arts| lecture. Later in the book, it is discovered that Barty Crouch Jr, Bellatrix Lestrange, Rodolphus Lestrange, and Rabastan Lestrange were sent to the wizard prison, Azkaban, for using the curse to torture Frank and Alice Longbottom|, parents of Neville Longbottom, to insanity.
 * Etymology: Latin crucio, "I torture" (perfect passive participle cruciatus).

(Cushioning Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Creates an invisible cushioned area. Used primarily in broomstick manufacturing, to provide more comfort to the rider.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages and was used to cushion Harry, Ron, and Hermione's fall in Gringotts in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

(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 The Half-Blood Prince at their joke shop, presumably in the form of some kind of physical object, similar to Skiving Snackboxes.

Defodio (Gouging Spell)

 * Pronunciation: deh-FOH-dee-oh (IPA: )
 * Description: This spell causes deep gouges to appear in the object targeted by the spell.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione, Harry, and Ron in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to help tunnel out of the Gringotts Tunnels while on the dragon as well as in their escape from Luna Lovegood's home, also in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
 * Etymology: Defodio is Latin for "I dig".

Deletrius

 * Pronunciation: deh-LEE-tree-us (IPA: )
 * Description: An erasure spell. It erases images and magical "after-effects".
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Amos Diggory| gets rid of the echo of the Dark Mark from Harry's wand.
 * Etymology: Latin delere, meaning "to destroy". A different tense spawns the English word "delete".

Densaugeo

 * Pronunciation: den-sah-OO-jee-oh )
 * Description: This hex makes the victim's teeth grow rapidly.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Introduced in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Draco Malfoy's| spell rebounds on Hermione| outside of the Potions classroom.
 * Etymology: From Latin dens, "tooth", and augeo, "I increase" or "I enlarge".

Descendo

 * Pronunciation: deh-SEN-doh (IPA: )
 * Description: The spell likely causes any targeted object to move downwards.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it is used by Ron| to magically cause the stairs in his room, which lead to the attic, to descend, as well as by Crabbe in the Room of Hidden Things to lower the wall behind which Ron is hiding.
 * Etymology: Descendo is Latin for "I descend".

Deprimo

 * Pronunciation: DEH-prih-moh.
 * Description: This spell places immense downward pressure upon its target, which may result in the violent fracturing of said target.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Introduced in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when Hermione blasts a hole through a living room floor.
 * Etymology: Derived from the Latin deprimo, "I press down".

Diffindo (Severing Charm)

 * Pronunciation: dif-FIN-doh (IPA: )
 * Description: Tears the target or a specific area on the target.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry urgently wants to talk to Cedric Diggory he casts this spell to rip his bag, delaying him for class. Ron also uses this spell to trim the lace off his dress robes in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It was also used in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by Harry to change the covers of his second hand and brand new copies of Advanced Potion Making. The spell is also used multiple times throughout the course of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, for cutting ropes or bonds, etc.
 * Etymology: Latin diffindo, "I divide."

Dissendium

 * Pronunciation: dis-EN-dee-um (IPA: )
 * Description: Causes the statue of the humpbacked witch hiding the secret passage to Honeydukes to open up.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
 * Etymology: Quite simply, a phonetic spelling of the English word "descend" with a common Latin noun ending attached (-ium). The name also vaguely suggests "dissident", meaning to be against the laws. It could also come from the Latin word Dissocio, which means to part or to separate (in its verb form). The word en can mean both here and look Dium, could refer to the sun and normally translates as day or, more appropriately, today but can also be used as the command now. Together Dissendium could mean Separate here, now.
 * Notes: This may not be a spell in the strict sense, but a magical password like "Mimbulus Mimbletonia" (once a password for the Fat Lady|) and "Acid Pops" (one of the passwords for Dumbledore's office gargoyle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince). However, it is mentioned that Harry has to tap the statue of the crone while saying the spell in order for it to open up. Also, the name of the spell is similar to the way other spells are named, suggesting that it may be a spell in its own right.

(Disillusionment Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes the target to become able to change colour to match their background, effectively hiding them without making them invisible.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Alastor Moody uses the charm on Harry| in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Also mentioned in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in the Ministry of Magic leaflet provided to all magical people as a precaution against Voldemort's reign of terror. Xenophilius Lovegood mentions, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, that invisibility cloaks are sometimes created by casting a disillusionment charm on a regular cloak, but that such charms will eventually fade and become visible.
 * Notes: When Disillusioned, the target feels something cold and wet trickling down their back. Likewise, when the charm is lifted, the target feels something hot trickling down their back.

(Dumbledore's Spell)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Likely an extremely powerful charm, seeing as the force of it ruffled Harry's hair as it passed, and Voldemort was forced to protect himself with a shield charm.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Dumbledore in his duel with Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
 * Notes: Forced Voldemort to have to conjure a shield to protect himself. When asked about it, J.K Rowling was not inclined to comment.

(Dumbledore's Jinx)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: A powerful jinx capable of incapacitating several people at once. Creates a sound much like a gunshot, coupled with trembling of the floor and a streak of silver light. Also, shown victims believed that no time has passed while they were incapacitated.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore uses this jinx to knock out Dawlish|, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Cornelius Fudge, and Dolores Umbridge while resisting arrest in his office. It is again mentioned in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" when Harry delves into Severus Snape's memories.  Snape is knocked to the ground when a powerful silver streak with the appearance of lightning passes him by.

Duro

 * Pronunciation: DOO-roh (IPA: )
 * Description: This spell is said to turn its target to stone.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione| in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows while escaping from Death Eaters in Hogwarts.
 * Etymology: Latin duro, "I make hard", "I stiffen".

Engorgio (Engorgement Charm)

 * Pronunciation: en-GOR-jee-oh (IPA: )
 * Description: Causes objects to swell in size.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Barty Crouch, impersonating Professor Moody|, casts it on a spider to enhance a demonstration of the effects of the Cruciatus Curse|. Hagrid| is also suspected of having performed the charm on his pumpkins once, and Ron Weasley suggested it might be the cause of Hagrid's abnormal size before learning that he is half-giant. Also used on a spider by Harry| in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, to test his stolen wand, Ron| assumes it is to annoy him.
 * Etymology: The English word engorged means "distended" or "swollen". Almost certainly the same as the "Growth Charm" which was briefly mentioned in one of the books.

Episkey

 * Pronunciation: eh-PIS-key (IPA: )
 * Description: Used to heal relatively minor injuries.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire after the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Nymphadora Tonks uses this spell to fix Harry's broken nose; also used by Harry in the same book to fix Demelza Robins' mouth.
 * Etymology: The word comes from the Greek "episkeui" ("επισκευή"), which means "repair".
 * Notes: J. K. Rowling writes in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince that Harry's knowledge tells him this spell could belong to a family (or variety) of Healing Spells, in the same way a species of plants belongs to a larger genus.

Erecto

 * Pronunciation: ee-RECK-toh or eh-RECK-toh (IPA: or )
 * Description: Used to erect a tent or other structure.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione| and Harry| to construct shelter for themselves and Ron| in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
 * Etymology: Erectum is past participle of Erigere, Latin for "to erect".

Evanesco (Vanishing Spell)

 * Pronunciation: ev-an-ES-koh (IPA: (IPA: )
 * Description: Makes something vanish.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by Professor Snape| to make Harry's potions disappear from his cauldron. In addition, when Fred and George were showing off their puking pastilles, Lee Jordan cleared the bucket of vomit with the Evanesco spell.
 * Eytomology: Comes from "evanescence", something that is fleeting or disappears, and the Latin evanesco, "disappear".
 * Notes: According to Professor McGonagall, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Vanished objects and organisms go "into non-being, which is to say, everything."  This was McGonagall's response to the question, "Where do vanished objects go?" from the door knocker at Ravenclaw Tower|.

Expecto Patronum (Patronus Charm)

 * Pronunciation: ecks-PEK-toh pah-TRO-num (IPA: )
 * Description: The Patronus Charm is a defensive spell used to conjure an incarnation of the Witch's or Wizard's innermost positive emotions to act as a protector. It can also be used to send messages.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, when Remus Lupin made the Dementor on the train disappear, though seen without the incantation noticed. Lupin later teaches Harry Potter| to use the charm as a defence against Dementors. According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them it is the only charm that has any effects on the Lethifold, or Living Shroud.
 * Etymology: See Patronus Charm article|.
 * Notes: All Patronuses take the form something important to the caster, usually some animal special to them. For instance, Harry Potter's Patronus is a stag; Harry's father, James Potter, was an Animagus whose animal form was a stag. The form of one's Patronus can change when the caster has undergone a period of heightened emotion, such as severe stress or love, as shown in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when Nymphadora Tonks' Patronus changed to a werewolf.

Expelliarmus (Disarming Spell)

 * Pronunciation: ex-pel-ee-AR-mus (IPA: )
 * Description: This spell is used to disarm another wizard, typically by causing the victim's wand to fly out of reach. It can also throw the target backwards when enough power is put into it. As demonstrated in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, simultaneous use of this spell by multiple witches or wizards on a single person can throw the wizard back with much greater force.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Professor Snape| disarms Professor Lockhart| in the Dueling Club. It is then used commonly throughout the rest of the series. The most notable uses of it are when Draco Malfoy uses it to disarm Albus Dumbledore, and Harry uses it in the final battle against Voldemort wielding the Elder Wand. It is seen by the Death Eaters as Harry's signature spell.
 * Etymology: Possibly a combined form of the Latin expello, "expel", and arma, "weapons" or "tools"; thus, "expel the weapon". Expellamus means "let us expel".
 * Note: Called Harry's "signature move" in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Expulso

 * Pronunciation: ecks-PUL-soh (IPA: )
 * Description: A curse which causes that with which it comes into contact to explode violently. Similar to the Blasting Curse|, which also causes its target to explode.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by a Death Eater in an attempt to capture Harry|. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, this may have been the spell that caused a segment of wall to fall and kill Fred Weasley.
 * Etymology: Expulsum is past participle of Expellere, Latin for "to expel".

(False Memory Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Implants a false memory in the mind of the target.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Tom Riddle (a.k.a. Lord Voldemort) uses this against Morfin Gaunt and Hokey, Hepzibah Smith's house-elf, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to make them confess to murders he himself committed. It is seen at the Quidditch world cup to relieve the Muggles' suspicions. Gilderoy Lockhart used it on many wizards to take credit for their heroic deeds. Hermione Granger further uses it in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on her parents so that they will believe that they are Wendell and Monica Wilkins, who have no daughter and their life's goal is to move to Australia.
 * Notes: The real memory that is hidden behind a false memory can be retrieved by skillful Legilimency.

(Featherweight Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Makes something lightweight.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Harry contemplates using this in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to lighten his trunk so that he can carry it by broom to Gringotts|.

Ferula

 * Pronunciation: feh-ROO-lah (IPA: )
 * Description: Creates a bandage and a splint.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Remus Lupin in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to bind Ron's broken leg.
 * Etymology: Latin ferula, meaning "walking-stick" or "splint".

(Fidelius Charm)

 * Pronunciation: fih-DAY-lee-us (IPA: )
 * Description: This complex charm enables secret information to be hidden within the soul of the recipient, known as a Secret-Keeper. The information is then irretrievable until and unless the Secret-Keeper chooses to reveal it; not even those who have the Secret revealed to them can reveal it to others. If a Secret-Keeper dies, each individual who knew of the secret in turn becomes Secret-Keeper.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it is explained that when Harry was an infant, he and his parents, James| and Lily Potter|, were hidden from Lord Voldemort by this charm. Later, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the charm is used to hide the location of the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. It is also mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in which it was used to protect the location of Shell Cottage| and the Weasleys' Aunt Muriel's house.
 * Etymology: Latin fidelis, which means "faithful" or "loyal".
 * Notes: J. K. Rowling previously stated that when a Secret-Keeper dies, the Secret they held can never be revealed to anyone else; the people who were told before the Secret-Keeper's death will still know the secret, but after the death of the Secret-Keeper no one new can be brought into the circle of knowledge (meaning that eventually all knowledge of the secret will be lost and it will become undiscoverable. However, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it is clearly explained that upon the Keeper's death (specifically, Dumbledore as Keeper of Number 12), all those who have been told the secret become Secret-Keepers in turn, and can pass the secret on to others.  Hermione| accidentally "reveals" Grimmauld Place to the Death Eater Yaxley by allowing him to Apparate| with her to its front doorstep.  Although Yaxley would not be able to reveal the secret to other Death Eaters, he could have brought them inside by the same process.  What those other Death Eaters would see and experience upon entering the house in this fashion is not fully explained.  It is also not known what would happen if a secret was not passed on to anybody before the death of the Secret Keeper, although the secret information would remain as it was the moment of the Secret Keeper's death.
 * Notes (2): The Fidelius Charm seems to have no effect with regard to animals, as Hedwig| found Ron| and Hermione| in the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (unless she was told by Dumbledore somehow). Another oddity is that the Potter's house in Godric's Hollow was apparently visible to all non-Muggles, even though the Secret should have only been known to James, Lily, Harry, Sirius, Peter and Voldemort; it apparently ceased to operate upon the Potters' death.
 * Notes (3): In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, it was stated that Hagrid managed to get Harry before all the Muggles could take a look at the scene. This would mean that after either killing the Potters or the destruction of their House by the Avada Kedavra curse, the spell ceased to function. Later, it would seem that the house was made to be anti-Muggle by wizards in order to pay tribute to the Potters.
 * Notes (4): In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Voldemort's name had been cursed in such a way as to act as a homing beacon, pointing to whomever had spoken the name, and as a jinx to disarm all enchantments, yet it was unable to deactivate the Fidelius charms defenses at 12 Grimauld Place. Death Eaters continued to appear, staking out the location after Voldemort's name had been spoken within, although it also seemed as if the Death Eaters were there simply in case Harry| showed up, since they only stationed two Death Eaters| in a rotation as if they were on a stake out,not knowing for certain that Harry, Hermione|, and Ron| were inside.

(Fiendfyre)

 * Pronunciation: Feend-fire (IPA:
 * Description: Fiendfyre is seemingly unstoppable cursed fire whose flames take the shape of fantastic creatures that appear to stalk those caught in its path. It can also destroy Horcruxes.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when Crabbe, Goyle, and Draco Malfoy corner Harry| in the Room of Hidden Things (one form of the Room of Requirement|) when he is searching for Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem. Crabbe casts Fiendfyre, which become flaming beasts that pursue Harry, Ron, and Hermione and gleefully devour every object within the Room, including Crabbe and the Horcrux within the diadem.
 * Etymology: A "fiend" is a cruel or wicked person, or a demon; "fyre" is a reference to fire.
 * Notes: The caster must be able to control Fiendfyre, or it can spread indefinitely. The fire cannot be extinguished by water or fire-stopping charms, and the spell's flames may have some independent consciousness. Hermione Granger notes that she was aware that Fiendfyre was extremely destructive and that it can potentially destroy a Horcrux. However, she never considered using it because it was too dangerous. It is likely that Fiendfyre is too difficult or impossible for most to control.

Finite (Incantatem) (Counter-Spell)

 * Pronunciation: fi-NEE-tay (in-can-TAH-tem) (IPA: )
 * Description: Negates spells or the effects of spells.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Professor Snape| uses it in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to restore order in the Dueling Club when Harry and Draco are duelling. Remus Lupin uses the short form "Finite" in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry used Finite to counter Crabbe's Descendo attack on Ron in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
 * Etymology: Latin finire, "to finish": "finite" is the plural imperative form, so it translates to the command, "[all of you] end". Incantatem is apparently intended to recall "incantation"; the Latin verb form incantatum would mean "someone or something enspelled".

(Flagrante Curse)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes any object affected to burn human skin when touched.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Seen in the Lestranges' vault in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, as a criminal deterrent.
 * Etymology: From the Latin flagro, meaning "to blaze", "to flame" or "to burn". Also, in flagrante delicto means "in the very act of crime".

Flagrate

 * Pronunciation: fluh-GRAYT, FLAH-grayt, fluh-GRAH-tay (IPA:
 * Description: With this spell, the caster's wand can leave fiery marks.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First appearance, by Tom Marvolo Riddle in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" when he uses the spell non-verbally to write his name in midair followed by a second spell to rearrange the letters. Second appearance, by Hermione| in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She uses the spell to identify doors of the Department of Mysteries| which members of Dumbledore's Army had already opened, by marking an "X" on them.
 * Etymology: The incantation comes from the Latin noun flagrate, meaning "a burn".

(Flame-Freezing Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes fire to become harmless to those caught in it, creating only a gentle, tickling sensation instead of burns.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned in the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as used by witches and wizards during medieval burnings. Apparently, one witch (Wendelin the Weird) was so fond of the tickling sensation, she allowed herself to be caught and subsequently burned no fewer than 47 times.
 * Notes: This may have been the spell used by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to seemingly set fire to Tom Riddle's old wardrobe whilst causing no physical damage. It may also be the protection in the Floo network, as well as how people communicate through fireplaces.

(Flying Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Apparently the spell cast on broomsticks|, and magic carpets| to make them fly.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Draco Malfoy mentioned this spell when tauntingly asking Ron Weasley why would anyone cast a Flying Charm on Ron's broomstick, which he deems a "moldy old log", in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix during Ron's first Quidditch practice. It is also mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages.
 * Notes: See Quidditch.

Furnunculus

 * Pronunciation: fer-NUN-kyoo-lus
 * Description: Causes the target to become covered in boils.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on Draco Malfoy, but was deflected onto Goyle instead.
 * Etymology: Latin furnus, meaning "oven", or Latin furunculus, meaning "petty thief", or English furuncle, an alternative word to "boil".

Geminio

 * Pronunciation: jeh-MIH-nee-oh or  geh-MIH-nee-oh (hard "g") (IPA:  or )
 * Description: Creates a duplicate of any object cast upon.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to copy Salazar Slytherin's locket in order to hide their tracks from Dolores Umbridge. Assumed that it was used on Gryffindor's sword by Snape. Also used by Gringotts security to protect treasure in the Lestranges' and perhaps other high-security vaults.
 * Etymology: Gemini is Latin for "twins".

(Gemino Curse)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Whenever an object affected by this curse is touched, it duplicates itself into many useless copies to hide the original.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when Harry|, Ron|, Hermione|, and Griphook the goblin break into the Lestrange vault in Gringotts. Assumed used on the Sword of Gryffindor by Severus Snape.
 * Etymology: Possible conflation of the Latin 'Gemini' and the English 'Domino', suggested by the spell's effect of duplicating items ad infinitum.
 * Notes: Possible deviation in the quality of copies, as Griphook the goblin could tell which sword of Gryffindor was the original and which was the copy.

Glisseo

 * Pronunciaton: GLISS-see-oh or  gliss-SAY-oh (IPA:  or )
 * Description: Causes the steps on a stairway to flatten and form a ramp, slide, or chute.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione| to escape from pursuing Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It is possible that the spell on the stairs to the girl's dormitories, which activates when boys try to climb the stairs, is the same (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix).
 * Etymology: Possibly derived from the French verb glisser, meaning "to slide".

(Gripping Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Used to help someone grip something with more effectiveness. This charm is placed upon Quaffles to help Chasers carry the Quaffle whilst simultaneously holding their brooms.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages.
 * Notes: See Quidditch.

(Hair-Thickening Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Thickens one's hair.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Severus Snape asserts that Alicia Spinnet used it on her eyebrows even though she was obviously hexed by someone on the Slytherin Quidditch team.

(Healing Spell)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Spell used to heal deep gashes. Its incantation is described as being song-like.
 * Seen/mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Severus Snape uses it to heal Malfoy's wounds from Sectumsempra|. Dumbledore also uses it to heal himself when giving Voldemort's Horcrux cave its "tribute". Harry notes, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, that he never learned to use such a spell and that he regretted his neglect in this area, although Hermione| shows at least some knowledge in the area.

(Hex Deflection)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Deflects spells. It seems to be similar to a Shield Charm, although deflection does not cause the spell to rebound on the attacker.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Professor Moody| in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is mentioned to have given the class a lesson in it. It is possible that hex deflection is not itself a spell at all, but rather refers to the subject of stopping hexes in any number of ways.

Homenum Revelio

 * Pronunciation: HOM-eh-num reh-VEH-lee-oh (IPA:
 * Description: Reveals human presence in the vicinity of the caster.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used multiple times by various characters in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
 * 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 ("human" 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.

(Homorphus Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes an Animagus or transfigured object to assume its normal shape.
 * Seen/Mentioned: According to Gilderoy Lockhart, he used it to force the Wagga Wagga Werewolf| to take its human form (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets). It may also have been used by Sirius Black and Remus Lupin in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, non-verbally, to force Peter Pettigrew to assume his human form.
 * Etymology: Most likely from Latin homo, meaning human, and Greek morphê (μορφή), meaning shape.

(Horcrux Curse)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown; when asked about it, Rowling declined to answer, saying that "some things are better left unsaid".
 * 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 Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Horace Slughorn describes the spell to a young Tom Riddle in a memory as encasing a portion of the torn soul and placing it within an object.  The spell itself is described in detail in a library book known as "Secret of the Darkest Art", which Hermione Granger summons 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. First mentioned in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and described in further detail in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

(Horton-Keitch Braking Charm)

 * Prounciation: Unknown
 * 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.
 * Notes: See Quidditch.

(Hot-Air Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes wand to emit hot air.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione| in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to dry off her robes. Also used shortly after to melt snow. Also was used by Dumbledore| in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to dry Harry's and his own robes.
 * Notes: The Hot Air Charm can be non-verbal and only requires a complicated wand movement to be cast successfully.

(Hurling Hex)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes brooms to vibrate violently in the air and try to buck their rider off.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 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.

Impedimenta (Impediment Jinx, Impediment Curse)

 * Pronunciation: im-ped-ih-MEN-tah (IPA:
 * Description: This hex 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 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry is practising for the third task. Also used by Madam Hooch to momentarily stop Harry from fighting with Draco Malfoy. Also seen toward the end of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, when Harry is fighting the Death Eaters. 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 (classical Latin: eem-PEHR-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.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used on many occasions. First seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Barty Crouch Jr, impersonating ex-Auror Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody|, uses it on a spider and later on students during a "class demonstration" in a Defence Against the Dark Arts| lecture. While breaking into Gringotts in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry uses it on a goblin and a Death Eater when they became suspicious.
 * Etymology: Latin impero, I command, and English "imperious".

(Imperturbable Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Makes objects such as doors impenetrable (by everything, including sounds and objects).
 * Seen/Mentioned: The spell is used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by Hermione to trap Rita Skeeter within a bottle while she was in beetle form. It was also used by Mrs Weasley| in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 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-PURR-vee-uss
 * Description: This spell makes something repel (literally, become impervious to) substances and outside forces including water and sound.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on Harry's glasses while in a Quidditch match and also by the Gryffindor| Quidditch team in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, both times to allow team members to see in a driving rain. Also used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 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

 * Pronunciation: in-an-ih-MAH-tus CON-jur-us (IPA:
 * Description: Most probably used to conjure an inanimate object.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned briefly in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Incarcerous

 * Pronunciation: in-CAR-ser-us
 * Description: Ties someone or something up with ropes.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First heard in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, when Dolores Umbridge gets in a battle with the centaurs. Also used by Harry on the Inferi in Lord Voldemort's Horcrux chamber, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
 * 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 Peter Pettigrew in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It may also have been used by Quirrell near the end of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, although he is said to have merely "snapped his fingers".

Incendio

 * Pronunciation: in-SEN-dee-oh
 * Description: Produces fire.
 * Seen/Mentioned: It is first seen in Philosopher's Stone| when Hermonie used it to set fire to Snape's Robes. Used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by Arthur Weasley to create a fire in the Dursleys' hearth so that he could use Floo powder| there. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, this spell is used several times in battle, most noticeably when Hagrid's hut is set ablaze.
 * 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.
 * Notes: Probably the charm used frequently by Hermione throughout the books, as it is noted that creating small portable fires is a specialty of hers. Although this fire is said to be portable and blue, which may be a different enchanted fire, possibly the bluebells flames incantation

(Inferius Animation Curse)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Used to animate corpses, creating an Inferius, although it could perhaps simply be the spell Inanimatus Conjurus used on a dead body.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Severus Snape says that a spell is placed upon a corpse to animate them and to do the wizard's bidding in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
 * Notes: This spell may only be a general spell that animates objects to do the caster's bidding.

(Inflation Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes someone to blow up like a balloon and fly away.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry inadvertently uses this charm to make his aunt Marge blow up and float to the ceiling. However, as Harry performed this magic without any intent to perform magic and without a wand, it is possible this is not a particular spell at all, and rather just a magical reaction caused by Harry's momentary rage.

(Intruder Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Detects intruders and sounds an alarm.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Horace Slughorn had it on a temporary Muggle owned house he was living in, allowing him to detect Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter as they approached in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
 * Notes: A possible incantation is Cave Inimicum|.

(Jelly-Legs Jinx)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: A jinx that renders its victim's legs temporarily useless, leaving them to wobble around helplessly until the effect wears off or the counter-jinx is performed.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Seen throughout the series.

(Knitting Needles Spell)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes knitting needles to knit of their own accord.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione Granger to knit hats for house-elves in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Mrs. Weasley to make Christmas sweaters for her family and friends.
 * Notes: This spell may only be a general spell that animates objects to do the caster's bidding.

(Knee-Reversal Hex)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Presumably causes the position of the knees to be reversed.
 * 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.

Langlock

 * Pronunciation: LAN-glock
 * Description: Glues the subject's tongue to the roof of their mouth. Created by the Half-Blood Prince|.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Peeves and also on Argus Filch, to general applause.
 * Etymology: Probably from the French langue ("tongue") and the English "lock".

(Ear Leeks Jinx)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * 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 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Legilimens (Legilimency Spell)
See also the article Legilimency for more information
 * 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 Professor Snape| on Harry during Occlumency lessons in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Also used non-verbally by Snape on Harry in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to allow him to see where Harry had learnt the Sectumsempra| spell.
 * Etymology: Latin legere ("to read") and mens ("mind").

Levicorpus

 * Pronunciation: levi-COR-pus (nonverbal)
 * 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 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows). Harry Potter| learns it by reading the notes written by the Half-Blood Prince. He uses it on Ron. The previous year|, Harry had seen (through the Pensieve| used by Professor Snape|) his father, James Potter|, use the spell against Professor Snape.
 * Etymology: Latin levare, "raise" and corpus, "body".

Liberacorpus

 * Pronunciation: lib-er-ah-COR-pus (nonverbal) (
 * Description: Counteracts Levicorpus|.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Harry uses the spell in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to counteract the Levicorpus spell| he inadvertently casts on Ron|.
 * Etymology: Latin liberare, "to free", and corpus, "body".
 * Notes: It is not clear why Levicorpus| has a specific counter-spell, and is not neutralized 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...

 * Pronunciation: loh-koh-MOH-tor (IPA:
 * 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 and the Order of the Phoenix to move Harry's trunk from his room. Professor Flitwick| similarly uses it to move Professor Trelawney's| trunk after Professor Umbridge| sacks her. Parvati Patil| and Lavender Brown| use this spell to race their pencil cases around the edges of the table. A variation seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 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.

Locomotor Mortis (Leg-Locker Curse)

 * Pronunciation: loh-koh-MOH-tor MOR-tis (IPA:
 * 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 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Used by Harry Potter on Draco Malfoy, who deflects it, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
 * 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.

Lumos

 * 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.
 * Etymology: Latin lumen, "light".
 * Notes: opposite incantation, Nox|, puts the light out.

(Lupin's Light)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: A small, hand-held flame.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Remus Lupin in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It was conjured non-verbally and possibly without a wand, meaning it might have been a magical object instead of a spell.

Meteolojinx Recanto

 * Pronunciation: mee-tee-OH-loh-jincks reh-CAN-toh.
 * Description: Presumably causes weather effects caused by incantations to cease.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Suggested in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by Arthur Weasley to Ron| (disguised by the Polyjuice Potion) as the best way to clear up such weather patterns as described above and by Hermione to Ron.

Mobiliarbus

 * Pronunciation: MO-bil-ee AR-bus
 * Description: Levitates and moves a tree.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Hermione Granger uses 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".

Mobilicorpus

 * Pronunciation: MO-bil-ee-COR-pus (IPA: )
 * Description: Levitates and moves bodies.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Sirius Black uses it on Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 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.

(Morfin Gaunt's Hex)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: The spell causes the victim to painfully exude large quantities of yellow pus, probably resulting from the opening of a lesion.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Morfin Gaunt to attack Bob Ogden| in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It may have been invented by Morfin. It is possibly a modified Furnunculus| jinx.

Morsmordre (Dark Mark)

 * Pronunciation: morz-MOR-druh or morz-MOHR-dray (IPA: or )
 * Description: Conjures the Dark Mark.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Barty Crouch Jr in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Also seen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince over the castle to lure Professor 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.
 * Notes: A possible translation might be "take a bite out of death", a fitting phrase for Death Eaters.

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 is used in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by Harry| and Ron| on various teachers and people such as Madam Pomfrey|. It was created by the Half-Blood Prince|. As pointed out by Hermione|, it is probably not Ministry of Magic approved. It is also used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by Hermione Granger in protection of the campsite where Harry and her stayed in hiding, even though she disapproved of it.
 * Etymology: English muffle, "to quiet", with a pseudo-Latin or pseudo-Italian ending.

(Narcissa Malfoy's Jinx)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes pain to anyone touching the caster of the spell.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Narcissa Malfoy uses this spell to force Bellatrix Lestrange to release her by causing pain.
 * Notes: This spell seems to be a combination of a Stinging Hex and Relashio.

Nox

 * Pronunciation: Noks
 * Description: Turns off the light produced by the Lumos spell|.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry| and Hermione| used this spell to turn off their wand-lights in the Shrieking Shack. Also used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when Harry was in the passage beneath the Whomping Willow which leads to the Shrieking Shack.
 * Etymology: Latin nox, meaning "night".

(Obliteration Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Removes things not wished to be seen again.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to remove the footprints that she, Harry|, and Ron| left in the snow. Also used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by Hermione Granger to remove the footprints she and Harry leave behind them in the snow as they journey 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 destroys things, according to its name.

Obliviate (Memory Charm, Memory-Modifying Charm)

 * Pronunciation: oh-BLI-vee-ate (
 * Description: Used to hide a memory of a particular event.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First used in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by Gilderoy Lockhart on Harry and Ron; the spell backfired due to a faulty wand, causing Lockhart to lose most of his own memory. Also used on a Muggle, Mr. Roberts during the Quidditch World Cup in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Also used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when Hermione Granger uses the spell on two Death Eaters who had followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione after their escape from Bill Weasley's and Fleur Delacour's wedding. In the same book, Hermione also uses the charm on Xenophilius Lovegood, father of Luna Lovegood.
 * 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 Sr| 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 (IPA: )
 * Description: Causes a blindfold to appear over the victim's eyes, obstructing their view of their surroundings.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione| in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 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: Portuguese word obscuro, meaning "unclear" or "unnoticeable".

Oppugno

 * Pronunciation: oh-PUG-noh (IPA:
 * Description: Apparently causes animals or beings of lesser intelligence to attack.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to attack Ron Weasley with a summoned flock of canaries during an argument.
 * Etymology: Latin oppugno, "I fight against".

Orchideous

 * Pronunciation: or-KID-ee-us (IPA:
 * Description: Makes a bouquet of flowers appear out of the caster's wand.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by Mr Ollivander to test Fleur Delacour's wand. Probably used non-verbally in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 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| conjured a Christmas wreath to place on Lily and James Potter's grave in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Pack

 * Pronunciation: As in English:
 * 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.
 * Notes: The neatness of the packing seems to depend on the desire and ability of the caster.
 * Notes (2): It is possible that "pack" is not the actual incantation, and that Tonks was finishing her sentence while performing a non-verbal spell.
 * Notes (3): It is also possible that it could be a generic spell used to animate objects to do the caster's bidding. (see Knitting Needles Spell)

(Permanent Sticking Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Makes objects permanently stay in place.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First mentioned in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, when Sirius| suspected that his mother's painting was fixed to the wall with such a Charm. In the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, it is implied that the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minister's office also has such a charm on it. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry discovers that it was used by Sirius Black to permanently affix his pictures to the wall in his room.
 * Notes: It is never said whether the charm prevents the object from being removed by cutting away the section of wall.

Peskipiksi Pesternomi

 * Pronunciation: pess-kee-PIK-see pess-ter-NOH-mee
 * Description: No effect (made-up spell)
 * Seen/Mentioned: It was used once in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by Gilderoy Lockhart after releasing a cage full of Cornish pixies into the classroom.
 * Notes: Lockhart confessed to being very poor (perhaps almost at Squib| level) in most magical areas, and seems to have been willing to go to any length to make himself appear more competent. Hence, Peskipiksi Pesternomi may have been made up on the spot as a desperate attempt to control the situation. Alternatively, knowing that he would need the Pixie Banishing Hex to uphold his reputation, he may have looked it up beforehand. In that case, he would be incorrectly remembering a Latin phrase that would perhaps be Pestis pixie vexe neme or something similar.

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 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 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. It is then used throughout the rest of the series, especially during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries in ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
 * Etymology: Latin petra, meaning "stone", and fieri (past participle factus), meaning "to become"; totalus comes from Latin "totus", meaning "complete".

Piertotum Locomotor

 * Pronunciation: pee-ayr-TOH-tum (or peer-TOH-tum) loh-koh-MOH-tor ( or )
 * Description: Spell used to animate statues and suits of armour to do the caster's bidding.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Professor McGonagall uses 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 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Point Me (Four-Point Spell)

 * Pronunciation: As in English
 * Description: The Four-Point Spell causes the caster's wand tip to point to the north cardinal point, acting like a compass.
 * Seen/Mentioned: By Harry during the third task of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Portus

 * Pronunciation: POR-tus
 * Description: Turns an object into a portkey
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Professor Dumbledore| in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
 * 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 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 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 the Order of the Phoenix

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 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 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).

(Priori Incantatem/Reverse Spell Effect)

 * Description: When two wands are forced to duel that have core material from the same single creature, the result will be "Priori Incantatem," a display in sequence of the last spells one of the wands cast. Which wand will show the spell effect depends on the willpower of the two wizards involved. It lifts the casters off their feet and produces a cage of glowing golden light.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, when Voldemort casts Avada Kedavra| and Harry casts Expelliarmus| in the graveyard. The jets of green and red combined to make a fine gold.
 * Etymology: Latin prior, "previous", and incantare, "to speak a spell" (past participle incantatum).
 * Note: 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.

(Protean Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes copies of an object to be remotely affected by changes made to the original.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First used in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. 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: Probably from the Greek proteus (Προτευς), a shape-shifting god.
 * 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.
 * Notes (2): The Protean Charm is an 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
 * Description: The Shield Charm causes minor to moderate jinxes, curses, and hexes to rebound upon the attacker.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, in which Harry is taught this spell by Hermione in preparation for the third task in the Triwizard Tournament. It is then used throughout the rest of the series.
 * Etymology: Latin protego, or "I protect".
 * Notes: In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Lord Voldemort conjured a shield out of mid-air to defend himself against an attack by Professor Dumbledore|. This may have been a variant of Protego. 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 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 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-BIL-lis
 * Description: A shield charm against the darkest magic.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Cast by Professor Flitwick in an attempt to strengthen the castle's defences in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
 * Etymology: Latin Protego, "I protect", and Horribilis, "horrible , frightful, dreadful".

Protego Totalum

 * Pronunciation: pro-TAY-go/prah-TEH-go toh-TAH-lum
 * Description: Presumably does not allow anything to enter into the area protected by the spell.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, this is one of the spells used by Hermione| and Harry| to protect their camp site from unwanted visitors.
 * Etymology: Latin protego, "I protect", and totalis, "total".

Quietus

 * Pronunciation: KWY-uh-tus
 * Description: Makes a magically magnified voice return to normal. A counter to Sonorus|.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 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|.

Reducio

 * Pronunciation: re-DOO-see-oh
 * Description: Makes an enlarged object smaller. Counter-charm to Engorgio|.
 * 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 presest 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 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by Arthur Weasley to "shrinking door keys" make this seem likely.

Reducto (Reductor Curse)

 * Pronunciation: re-DUK-toh
 * Description: Disintegrates or destroys objects in the caster's path.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry uses it on one of the hedges of the Triwizard maze and ends up burning a small hole in it; in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Gryffindors in Harry Potter's year reference Parvati Patil as being able to reduce a table full of dark detectors to ashes; in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, a member of the Order of the Phoenix attempts to use this spell to break down a door which Death Eaters have blocked when the Death Eaters have cornered Dumbledore in the Lightning Struck Tower.
 * Etymology: English reduce, "to bring down;destroy".

(Refilling Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Refills whatever the caster points at with the drink originally in the container (eg fills a keg with the desired ale).
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, when Harry notices that Hagrid and Professor Slughorn are running out of mead.
 * Notes: Used non-verbally by Harry in the aforementioned circumstance. As Harry was under the influence of Felix Felicis potion at the time, the difficulty of this charm cannot be inferred from this achievement.

Relashio

 * Pronunciation: Re-LASH-ee-oh
 * Description: A charm used to force someone or something to release that which it holds or grapples by means of shooting fiery sparks out or, underwater, shooting hot bursts of water. Also causes victim of spell to simply release whatever they are holding at the time.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry Potter against Grindylows| in the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. When used more expertly by Bob Ogden| in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, it threw Marvolo Gaunt backwards after an attempted attack. Also used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, when Hermione uses this spell to free Mrs. Cattermole from the chained chair.
 * Etymology: Probably from the French verb relâcher = "to release, to set free", or Italian rilascio (pronounced the same way as the spell) = "I release".

Rennervate

 * Pronunciation: ree-NUR-vayt
 * Description: Brings someone out of unconsciousness.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Amos Diggory| uses it to wake up Winky| and Professor Dumbledore| uses it to wake up Viktor Krum. Harry Potter later uses it to try and reawaken a cursed Dumbledore in the seaside cave.
 * Etymology: Officially renamed from Ennervate by J.K. Rowling from the prefix "re-" would come from Latin re-, "again" and "en-" Old French from "in-" L. cause to be + "nerves" Eng. c.1603 strength, from "nervus" L. nerve

Reparo

 * 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 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Harry smashes a bowl of murtlap essence. He could repair the bowl but the murtlap essence remained splashed to the floor.
 * Etymology: Latin reparare, "to repair".
 * 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 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban which he is told is irreparable after it is destroyed by the Whomping Willow. Wands are also irreparable, as shown in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 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 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when Hermione tries 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, it makes sense that it would produce the most powerful Repairing Charm.

Repello Muggletum (Muggle-Repelling Charm)

 * Pronunciation: reh-PELL-loh MUG-ul-tum or  MUGG-gleh-tum  or mugg-GLEE-tum (IPA:  or  or )
 * 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 is also used by Harry and Hermione on numerous occasions, among many other spells, to protect and hide their camp site in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Rictusempra (Tickling Charm)

 * Pronunciation: ric-tuh-SEM-pra
 * Description: Imbues the recipient with an extremely potent sensation. The effect of this charm upon an individual who is not ticklish is unknown.
 * Seen/Mentioned: By Harry Potter| on Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when they fought in the Duelling Club.
 * Etymology: Latin rictus, "the mouth (wide open in laughter or a grin)" + semper, "always".

Riddikulus (Boggart-Banishing Spell)

 * Pronunciation: rih-dih-KYU-lus
 * Description: A spell used when fighting a Boggart|, "Riddikulus" forces the Boggart to take the appearance of an object the caster finds humorous, with the desire that laughter will weaken the Boggart.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, when taught by Professor Lupin|. Seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on a boggart that was in the maze in the Third Task. Later appears in an attempted use by Molly Weasley in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
 * 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.

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 campsite, 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 campsite's defences against intruders in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Scourgify (Scouring Charm)

 * Pronunciation: SKUR-jih-fy'''
 * Description: Used to clean something.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First used by Nymphadora Tonks to clean Hedwig|'s cage in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Later, Ginny Weasley performs the spell to clean up the Stinksap in the Hogwarts Express. Also revealed in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (and later in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows though the scene was not directly mentioned) that James Potter| cruelly used it against a disarmed Severus Snape who was shouting out a mixture of swear words and hexes.
 * 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 the Half-Blood Prince (Severus Snape).
 * Seen/Mentioned: It is possible that this is the spell that Snape used on James Potter to make a huge gash on his face in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. First officially used by Harry in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince against Draco Malfoy, and then later against both the Inferi| in Lord Voldemort's| Horcrux chamber, Snape during his flight from Hogwarts, and Snape once again 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 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 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 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 also apparently cannot be properly healed unless certain treatments are immediately used. Snape's accidental targeting of George Weasley sliced off his ear, which Lupin stated as being permanently lost due to Dark Magic causing its removal. However, shortly after Harry wounds Draco with the spell, Snape uses a countercurse three times to roughly heal Draco's wounds, and says that an immediate dose of dittany might avoid scarring.

Serpensortia

 * Pronunciation: ser-pen-SOR-shah
 * Description: Conjures a serpent from the spellcaster's wand.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Draco Malfoy while dueling Harry| in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
 * Etymology: Latin serpens, "snake"; and French sortir, "to exit, come out of" or Latin ortus, past participle of ortir, to be born.

Silencio (Silencing Charm)

 * Pronunciation: sih-LEN-see-oh
 * Description: Makes something silent.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First used by Hermione in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 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 silêncio (which is closer to the English pronunciation) mean "silence" in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively.

(Slug-Vomiting Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: A jet of green light strikes the victim, who then vomits slugs.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Ron Weasley attempted to use it on Draco Malfoy; but because Ron's wand was broken, it cursed him instead. Mentioned in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix before Gryffindor's first Qudditch Match against Slytherin when Draco taunts Ron, "Harry was reminded forcibly of the time that Ron had accidentally put a slug-vomiting curse on himself."
 * Notes: There was no incantation for this spell, Ron merely yelled,"You'll pay for that, Malfoy! Eat slugs!" before pointing his wand. It is not known if it has an incantation, or if it has no incantation at all. It is apparently "a difficult curse to work at the best of times." A person cursed with it has to wait until it wears off. This curse may also have just been accidental. This is shown because it came from a broken wand when it was cast, and came out of the back end of the wand.

Sonorus

 * Pronunciation: soh-NOh-rus
 * Description: Magnifies the spellcaster's voice when one's wand is pointing to the side of the caster's neck.
 * Seen/Mentioned: By Ludo Bagman in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to commentate at events without needing a megaphone; as well as by Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic at the begining of the Quidditch World Cup. Also used by Professor Dumbledore| to silence everyone in the Great Hall in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Used by Lord Voldemort several times during the Battle of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
 * Etymology: Latin sonorus, "loud; noisy".
 * Notes: The counter-spell is Quietus|.

Specialis Revelio (Scarpin's Revelaspell)

 * Pronunciation: speh-see-AHLIS 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 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Used by Ernie Macmillan| to find out ingredients of a potion.
 * Etymology: Latin specialis, "particular;individual" and revelare (present tense revelo), "unveil".
 * Notes: In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Professor 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.

(Stealth Sensoring Spell)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Detects those under magical disguise.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Professor Umbridge| casts this around her office.

(Streamer Spell)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes purple and gold streamers to erupt out of the end of the caster's wand.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione| to decorate for Harry's| birthday party in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

(Stretching Jinx)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Stretches things.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned once when Mrs. Weasley mentions how tall both Harry and Ron have become over the summer holidays.

(Stinging Hex, Stinging Jinx)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * 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 Professor Snape| during Occlumency lessons in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. 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 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to purposefully distort Harry's appearance.

Stupefy (Stunning Spell, Stupefying Charm)

 * Pronunciation: STOO-puh-fye
 * Description: Puts the victim in an unconscious state.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Often; particularly by a number of wizards and witches (including Dolores Umbridge) against Professor McGonagall| in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. 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.

(Supersensory Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * 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 during the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as a potential substitute for using mirrors while driving a Muggle automobile.

(Switching Spell)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes two objects to be switched for one another
 * Seen/Mentioned: Harry contemplates using this spell against his dragon in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament.

(The Taboo)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: A jinx which may be placed upon a word or a name, so that whenever that word or name is spoken, a magical disturbance is created which alerts the caster of the Taboo to the speaking of the Tabooed word. The Taboo is placed upon Voldemort's name in the seventh book.
 * Seen/Mentioned: It is due to this that Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger are tracked throughout their journey, until Ron discovers the Taboo and tells the other two to cease use of the word (although out of habit to accommodate Ron's distaste for the word "Voldemort" they had already gotten in the habit of referring to the Dark Lord by euphemism). However, Harry accidentally says Voldemort's name again, resulting in the trio being caught and taken to Malfoy Manor|.

Tarantallegra

 * Pronunciation: ta-RON-tuh-LEG-rah
 * Description: Makes victim's legs dance uncontrollably (recalling the tarantella dance).
 * Seen/Mentioned: First used by Draco Malfoy on Harry in the Dueling Club in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Often used in the books, specifically in the fourth book (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where the existence of a counterjinx is proven). It is then notably used against Neville Longbottom in the Department of Mysteries, causing the prophecy to be broken.
 * 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".

Tergeo

 * Pronunciation: TUR-jee-oh
 * Description: A spell used to siphon matter from a surface, eg. blood, ink, dust, etc.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Hermione Granger uses the spell in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to remove blood from Harry's| face. It is later used to remove spilled ink from parchment. It was used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 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 tergeo"I rub clean, wipe, polish".

(Toenail Growth Hex)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes the toenails to grow at an extreme and uncontrollable rate.
 * Seen/Mentioned: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, 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 the Half-Blood Prince, Severus Snape.

(Tongue-Tying Curse)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * 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 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as a deterrent to Severus Snape, or any other unwanted visitor of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, from betraying their location to anyone else.

(Transmogrifian Torture)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Supposedly a dark curse.
 * Seen/Mentioned: By Professor Lockhart|, while discussing the petrification of Mrs Norris in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Given that "to transmogrify" is to shape shift, the spell was quite possibly an on-the-spot invention of Lockhart's.

(Trip Jinx)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes the victim of the jinx to trip and fall.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used by Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, to catch Harry Potter| when he was fleeing after Dumbledore's Army was discovered.

(Unbreakable Vow)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes a vow taken by a witch or wizard to be inviolable; if they should break it, the consequence is death.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Severus Snape takes an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy at the beginning of Harry Potter and the 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.

(Undetectable Extension Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Causes a container's capacity to be increased, without changing the object's appearance on the outside.
 * Seen/Mentioned: This spell is 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 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  Probably  used on the tent in which the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione stay during the Quidditch World Cup in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; the tent is also used by Harry, Ron and Hermione as shelter in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Also, Hermione| casts this spell upon her handbag in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

(Unplottable Charm)

 * Pronunciation: Unknown
 * Description: Used to make buildings or locations unable to be plotted on a map.
 * Seen/Mentioned: This is mentioned throughout the series.
 * Notes: Many important wizarding buildings are Unplottable, including Hogwarts and Number Twelve.

(Lord Voldemort's Shield)

 * Pronounciation: Unknown
 * Description: Used in the book Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by Lord Voldemort, in the chapter "The Only One He Ever Feared". It has a shiny silver appearance. Voldemort uses it to protect himself from Dumbledore's spell, which makes the hair on the back of Harry's neck stand up. When hit with the spell, it produces a gong-like sound.

Waddiwasi

 * Pronunciation: wah-dee-WAH-see
 * Description: Appears to launch small objects through the air.
 * Seen/Mentioned: Used only once in the series, by Remus Lupin in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to expel a wad of chewing gum from the key hole Peeves put it in, launching it up Peeves's nose.
 * Etymology: Latin vade, "go; travel", and possibly vasa, "implements, vessels"; but this part is obscure. (The letter "V" in Latin is also written "U", and pronounced as the English "W".) It could also come from Swedish vadd, which means "soft mass" (in this case it was gum), and French vas y, "go there", as Lupin did not just make the gum fly out of the key hole, but he directed it up Peeves's nose. The word could also just be based on the English wad, as in "a wad of gum".
 * Notes: In reference to what was mentioned above under Etymology, it can be presumed that Waddiwasi could be the Banishing Charm| or the Placement Charm mentioned in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them under the Kelpie entry.

Wingardium Leviosa (Levitation Charm)

 * Pronunciation: win-GAR-dee-um lev-ee-OH-sa (
 * Description: Levitates objects.
 * Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, when Professor Flitwick|'s first-year class practice the spell. Later in the same book, Ron Weasley performs the spell on the club of a mountain troll. The spell is also used in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by Harry to levitate the sidecar of Sirius's flying motorbike. Ron also uses the charm to make a twig fly into a knot on the Whomping Willow in Deathly Hallows.
 * Etymology: "Wingardium" certainly contains English wing, possibly also Latin arduus, "steep"; or perhaps the second element is simply mock-Latin. "Leviosa" most probably originates in Latin levis, "light", but contains "levi", which is a prefix meaning 'to raise.'