Spells

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A spell is an incantation (usually, but not always, Latin based) that makes use of the magical force of the wizarding universe to do things ordinary people cannot perform, like levitate objects, conjure fire, or stun a person.

Spells are most effective when the incantation is said with a wand, although they can also be carried out without the use of either wand or speech. Some of the more advanced wizards, such as Albus Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, and Lord Voldemort do not need wands to perform magic, for example. Non-verbal spells are also taught to wizards in their sixth year of study.

When recited, spells send out a jet of high-speed energy, usually in the form of light (some are invisible, like Wingardium Leviosa or Accio). The energy of the spell may be gauged by the colour of the jet - for example, a green-coloured spell would be more powerful than a red-colored spell, as it's wavelength is shorter. This may explain why some colored spells such as the Killing Curse (green jet) can kill or maim people, while others only stun or disarm (such as Expelliarmus or Stupefy, both of which have red jets). If this hypothesis is true, it may lead to the development of some high-energy spells capable of blocking curses such as Avada Kedavra.

Spells are often seperated into a number of categories: spells, charms, jinxes, hexes, and curses.

Several incantations here were taken from the original Latin when an incantation was unknown. These are not all meant to be direct from Harry Potter (© JK Rowling), but to reflect a magical world in general. The site English to Latin Dictionary was used for many of these. It is important to note that there are many people in the Americas that come from differing countries, backgrounds, and languages. So, developing incantations that are available to several cultural peoples is important. Latin (and in some cases, Germanic) is a language available to many and speakable by most.

Spells are listed here by their incantations (when known), with their vernacular names in parenthesis. Some spells have no known incantation – the only reference in the text is by an informal name, either because in its only appearance in the relevant book it was cast nonverbally, or because it was never depicted in the books, only mentioned. The majority of spells cast in duels between adult characters in all seven books appear nonverbally; only their effects can identify such spells.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Contents

A

Accio ~ Affero

Pronunciation: Various suggestions have been made, including:
(AK-ee-o) - classical Latin (film, video game)
(AK-see-o) - (audio book)
(AH-see-o) - (Scholastic) English
(AH-chee-o) - Italian-type pronounciation
Description: This charm summons an object to the caster, potentially over a significant distance. Its opposite would be the Depulso
Seen/Mentioned: First mentioned in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, when it was briefly used by Molly Weasley on the Weasley twins to confiscate their Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' products from their pockets, before they left for the Quidditch World Cup. Later on in the same book, Harry summons his broom to complete the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament. Near the end of the book, Harry summons a Portkey he can't reach to escape from the Battle in the Graveyard. Also seen in Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows to try to summon Horcruxes, and Harry even tries to summon a falling Rubeus Hagrid.
Suggested Etymology: The Latin word accio means "I call" or "I summon." In the Hungarian translation, the spell is called "Invito", possibly from the word "to invite". Affero is the latin translation of to bring.

Aguamenti ~ Aquagenerus

Pronunciation: AH-gwa-MEN-tee
Description: Produces a jet of water from the caster's wand.
Seen/Mentioned: First named in Half-Blood Prince, when Harry is being taught how to perform this specific charm in professor Flitwick's class. Later Harry casts this spell in an attempt to create water for Dumbledore to drink after taking Voldemort's potion and then to douse Hagrid's hut after it is set on fire later. Then in Deathly Hallows, Hermione Granger uses it to put out Mundungus' searing eyebrows after Harry accidentally set them on fire. Later on, Harry uses it in a failed attempt to douse Vincent Crabbe's Fiendfyre curse in the Room of Requirement.
Suggested Etymology: The Latin word aqua which has morphed into modern languages like Portuguese as água which means "water", combined with a form of the Latin verb mentio which means to "speak, mention, or proclaim". The latin genero means to produce or create.

Alarte Ascendere

Pronunciation: uh-LAR-tay uh-SEN-duh-ray
Description: Tosses an object in the air, allowing it to fall back down (as opposed to Leviosa.)
Seen/Mentioned: Gilderoy Lockhart uses it on the serpent that Draco conjures in Chamber of Secrets during the scene with the dueling club. Obviously it doesn't do anything but toss the snake in the air and anger it...
Etymology: Latin "alate", or to be winged + "ascendere", or to ascend (to go up).

Alohomora ~ Aperiportus

Pronunciation: ah-LOH-huh-MOR-ah ~ ah-PER-i-POR-tus
Description: Used to open and unlock doors, but doors may be bewitched so that this spell has no effect.
Seen/Mentioned: Used throughout the series, first use by Hermione in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Later unsuccessfully cast by Ron, on the door from the room with the winged keys in Hogwarts. Loses use gradually in the series as the characters discover more and more doors, chests etc. with counter-charms on them (e.g. The doors into Professor Snape's and Professor Umbridge's offices are mentioned as being Alohomora-proof.)
Etymology: From the West African Sidiki dialect used in geomancy meaning: Friendly to thieves as stated by J.K. Rowling in testimony during the WB and JKR vs. RDR Books. Also, annuo in latin means to allow and foris is entrance

Anapneo

Pronunciation: ah-NAP-nee-oh
Description: Clears the target's airway, if blocked.
Seen/Mentioned: Shown in Half-Blood Prince, Horace Slughorn casts this spell on Marcus Belby when the latter begins to choke.
Suggested Etymology: The Greek word anapneo which means "to draw breath or to revive".

Aparecium

Pronunciation: AH-par-EE-see-um
Description: This spell makes invisible ink appear.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Hermione tries to make hidden writing appear in Tom Marvolo Riddle's diary.
Notes: See also Specialis Revelio.
Suggested Etymology: The Latin word appareo which means "to become visible or to appear".

Avada Kedavra (Killing Curse)

Pronunciation: ah-VAH-dah kuh-DAHV-rah
Description: Causes a bright green flash and a rushing noise; the curse causes instant death to the victim. There is no known counter-curse or blocking spell (with the exception of the curse striking another spell midflight, negating both), although the caster can be interrupted, the victim can dodge the green jet, hide behind solid objects (which burst into flame when hit by it), or, if the casting wizard is not sufficiently competent, the curse may be completely ineffective as described by Barty Crouch Jr (acting as Alastor Moody) in Goblet of Fire. Harry twice countered this spell by casting Expelliarmus. It is one of the three Unforgivable Curses; the use of this spell on another human being renders a life sentence in Azkaban.
Seen/Mentioned: First mentioned (not by name) at the beginning of the first book when Harry arrives to the Dursley's home. First seen in Goblet of Fire against Muggle Frank Bryce, and in every book following.
Suggested Etymology: It is an ancient spell in Aramaic, and it is the original of abracadabra, which means 'let the thing be destroyed.' Originally, it was used to cure illness and the 'thing' was the illness.
Notes: An alternative for this curse for the sake of avoiding copyright infringement (as if this isn't all over the world wide web anyway) would be to use a latin equivalent Aveho (meaning "to remove"), Everto (meaning "to ruin" or "to destroy"), and Vita (meaning "life"), Animus (meaning "soul"), or Corporis (meaning "body"). Putting these together, one may see an incantation being Everto Corporis, or Aveho Animus.

Avis

Pronunciation: AH-vis
Description: This charm creates a flock of birds that pour forth from the caster's wand. When coupled with Oppugno, it can be used offensively.
Seen/Mentioned: Shown in Goblet of Fire, cast by Mr. Ollivander to test Viktor Krum's wand. In Half-blood Prince, it is cast by Hermione, followed by Oppugno which causes the birds to attack Ron Weasley.
Suggested Etymology: The Latin word avis which means, "bird".

B

Bombarda

Pronunciation: bom-BAR-duh
Description: Blows up or out of the way solid objects or walls. Can be spoken with the word maxima following the encantation which magnifies the power of the spell.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Dolores Umbridge to clear out the wall leading to the Room of Requirement during a scene in Order of the Phoenix.
Etymology: Latin bombus, which means to boom. Also similar to the English bombard, which means to bomb something or some place repeatedly.

C

Cave Inimicum

Pronunciation: KAH-vay ih-NIH-mih-kum
Description: Spell used to strengthen an enclosure from enemies.
Seen/Mentioned: Shown only in Deathly Hallows, cast by Hermione and Harry Potter to strengthen their campsites' defences.
Etymology: Correct Classical Latin for "Beware the enemy", from the verb caveo and the noun inimicus.

Colloportus

Pronunciation: cul-loh-POR-tus
Description: Magically locks a door, preventing it from being opened by Muggle means.
Seen/Mentioned: First in Order of the Phoenix, cast by Hermione in the Department of Mysteries.
Notes: This spell functions as the counter spell to Alohomora
Suggested Etymology: The Greek word kollao which means, "to join closely together, bind closely" with the Latin word porta meaning "a gate".

Confundo (Confundus Charm)

Pronunciation: con-FUN-doh
Description: Causes the victim to become confused and befuddled.
Seen/Mentioned: First mentioned in Prisoner of Azkaban, when Severus Snape suggests that Harry and Hermione had been Confunded to believe Sirius Black's claim to innocence. In Goblet of Fire, it is suggested that a powerful Confundus Charm is responsible for the Goblet choosing a fourth Triwizard contestant. It is first seen in action when Hermione uses it on Cormac McLaggen during Quidditch tryouts in Half-Blood Prince. Its vernacular name is first revealed when Harry uses it on security guards during the Gringotts break-in in Deathly Hallows.
Suggested Etymology: The Latin word confundo which means, "to confuse, throw into disorder".

Crucio (Cruciatus Curse)

Pronunciation: KROO-see-oh/KROO-shee-OH
Description: Inflicts unbearable pain on the recipient of the curse. The effects of the curse depend upon the desires and emotions of the character - to produce the "excruciating" pain implied by the name, one must (according to Bellatrix Lestrange) desire to cause pain purely for its own sake. The extreme pain inflicted by the curse when cast so - without any apparent evidence of physical harm - makes it uniquely suited as a form of torture. One of the three Unforgivable Curses.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Goblet of Fire introduced by Barty Crouch Jr (acting as Moody) and used on a spider. Used regularly by the Death Eaters as torture, and by Voldemort as punishment, even against his servants. Used twice by Harry on Death Eaters.
Suggested Etymology: Crucio (Latin) means "I torture" originating from crux (genitive crucis), which means "torture platform or stake" or, more specifically "cross". The word excruciating is descended from the same root - crucifixion was a form of torturous execution. In the novels, the verbal form of the word is 'cruciate', as when Amycus Carrow says in the final book "I’ll Cruciate the lot of ’em."

Comodomollis Adicium (Cushioning Charm)

Pronunciation: co-MO-do-MO-lis ah-DEE-see-um
Description: Creates an invisible cushioned area.
Seen/Mentioned: Mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages, cast on broomsticks to provide a more comfortable ride. Shown in Deathly Hallows, used to cushion Harry, Ron, and Hermione's fall in Gringotts and Hogwarts.
Etymology: Latin word adicio meaning to apply, mollis meaning to soften, also commodum meaning comfort.

D

Defodio (Gouging Spell)

Pronunciation: deh-FOH-dee-oh
Seen/Mentioned: Used to dig a way out or to dig down.
Suggested Etymology: Latin defodio, meaning, "to dig, dig out."

Deletrius

Pronunciation: deh-LEE-tree-us
Seen/Mentioned: Used to delete or remove the effects of a spell from one's wand.
Suggested Etymology: English word delete meaning to remove.

Deprimo

Pronunciation: DEH-prih-moh.
Seen/Mentioned: Similar to the Bombarda hex.
Suggested Etymology: Latin deprimo which means to "dig deep".

Depulso ~ Abiegus

Description: Sends the target away. Its opposite would be the Accio.
Seen/Mentioned: Seen in Goblet of Fire, cast by Hermione who perfectly banishes a cushion into a box which is their target in their Charms class. To Harry's great surprise, he also perfectly banishes a cushion during this lesson.
Etymology Abiego being the latin for to send away. No known etymology for depulso.

Diffindo (Severing Charm)

Pronunciation: dif-FIN-doh
Seen/Mentioned: A cutting or severing charm. Also used for cutting ropes, chains, etc.
Suggested Etymology: Latin diffindo, "I divide."

Dissendium ~ Aperius

Pronunciation: dis-EN-dee-um
Description: Causes hidden passageways to open up.
Seen/Mentioned: Seen only in Prisoner of Azkaban.
Suggested Etymology: Latin discedo meaning "I swerve". Also, the latin aperio gives us to clear or to reveal or to uncover.

Duro

Pronunciation: DOO-roh
Description: Turns its target to stone.
Seen/Mentioned: Seen in Deathly Hallows, cast by Hermione while escaping from Death Eaters in Hogwarts.
Suggested Etymology Latin duro meaning "I make hard" or to harden.

E

Engorgio (Engorgement Charm)

Pronunciation: en-GOR-jee-oh
Description: Causes objects to swell in size.
Seen/Mentioned: A "Growth Charm" with the same effect is briefly mentioned. Hagrid is suspected of having performed the charm on his pumpkins in Chamber of Secrets. Then seen in Goblet of Fire when Barty Crouch Jr, impersonating Moody, casts it on a spider to enhance a demonstration of the effects of the Cruciatus Curse, and Ron suggested it might be the cause of Hagrid's abnormal size before learning that he is half-giant. Harry in Deathly Hallows also cast it on a spider.
Suggested Etymology: English word engorge meaning "to fill to excess".

Episkey

Pronunciation: eh-PIS-key
Description: Used to heal relatively minor injuries. When this spell is cast, the person feels their injured body part go very hot and then very cold.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire after the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. In 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.
Suggested Etymology: Greek episkeu meaning "repair, restoration".
Notes: Rowling writes in Half-Blood Prince that Harry's knowledge tells him this spell could belong to a family (or variety) of Healing Spells.

Erecto

Pronunciation: eh-RECK-toh
Description: Used to erect a tent or other structure.
Seen/Mentioned: Possibly used in Goblet of Fire by wizards at the campsites near the Quidditch World Cup. Used by Hermione and Harry to construct shelter for themselves and Ron in Deathly Hallows.
Suggested Etymology: Latin erectus meaning "to set up, to raise".

Evanesco (Vanishing Spell)

Pronunciation: ev-an-ES-koh
Description: Makes the target vanish.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Order of the Phoenix by 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. During their stay at #12, Grimmauld Place, Bill uses this on a stack of documents. This suggests that Vanished objects can be recovered.
Suggested Etymology: Latin evanesco meaning "to vanish".
Notes: According to Minerva McGonagall, in 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 doorknocker at Ravenclaw Tower.

Everte Statum

Pronunciation: uh-VER-tay STAH-tum
Description: Makes the target flip over backwards, in a head-over-heels fashion.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Chamber of Secrets by Draco Malfoy against Harry Potter during the dueling club scene.
Etymology: Latin "everto", or to turn upside down + "statum", or fixed in one place.

Expecto Patronum (Patronus Charm)

Pronunciation: ex-PEK-toh pa-TROH-num
Description: Conjures a corporeal incarnation of the caster's innermost positive feelings, such as joy, hope, or the desire to survive, known as a Patronus. A Patronus is conjured as a protector. Patronuses shield their conjurors from Dementors, and can even drive them away. A Patronus "cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so Dementors can't hurt it." The conjured Patronus protects the witch or wizard that summoned it, obeys his or her commands, and fades away shortly after it is no longer required. When conjured, a Patronus appears silvery, ethereal, and semi-transparent. Improperly formed Patronuses range from momentary formless bursts of silvery mist, to poorly-defined forms which are easily defeated or quickly dissipate on their own. A full-fledged (or corporeal) Patronus takes on a fixed animal form that is often significant to the witch or wizard casting the charm. Patronuses summoned by a particular person have been known to change. According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, this Charm is also the only known defensive spell against Lethifolds.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Prisoner of Azkaban when a Dementor appears in the Hogwarts Express, and Hermione says that Remus Lupin repelled the Dementor by casting a silvery object from his wand. Harry's corporeal Patronus first appears when Draco Malfoy & his friends dress up as Dementors in an attempt to sabotage Harry, he decides to ask Lupin to teach him how to defend himself against the dementors and takes classes where a boggart takes the form of a dementor. He then uses it again towards the end of the book while trying to repel hundreds of Dementors from Sirius and himself.
Notes: Dumbledore has devised a method of using Patronuses to deliver messages putting it into the exclusive use of the Order of the Phoenix. Members of the Order are the only wizards who know how to use their spirit guardians to send messages to one another. According to Rowling, the Patronus is "an immensely efficient messenger" as it is not hindered by physical obstructions or dark matters. Each Patronus has a special quality and appearance that is different and easy to recognise, which makes it clear which Order member has sent the message. In addition, since no one can conjure another person's Patronus, this method of communication does not carry the risk of passing fake messages. It is noteworthy that in Deathly Hallows, McGonagall creates three Patronuses simultaneously to summon Professors Flitwick, Sprout, and Slughorn.
Suggested Etymology: Expecto Patronum is Latin for "I await a protector". It is related to "pater" (father) and Harry's Patronus indeed takes the same form as that of his father's (a stag).

Expelliarmus (Disarming Charm, Disarming Spell)

Pronunciation: ex-pel-ee-AR-mus
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 (or it is combined with a non-verbal stupefy spell). As demonstrated in 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 Chamber of Secrets, when Snape disarms Gilderoy Lockhart in the Duelling Club; from then on it is commonly used throughout the rest of the series. Draco uses it to disarm Dumbledore and Harry uses the spell to not only disarm Gregory Goyle in the Room of Requirement, but also to reflect Voldemort's killing curse during the final battle. It is seen by the Death Eaters as Harry's signature spell, as he had used it to duel Voldemort in both Goblet of Fire and Deathly Hallows.
Suggested Etymology: Latin expello meaning "to expel, to thrust away" and Latin arma meaning "weapons of war".

Expulso

Pronunciation: ecks-PUL-soh
Description: A spell which causes objects that it comes in contact with to violently explode.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by a Death Eater in an attempt to capture Harry in Deathly Hallows.
Suggested Etymology: Latin pulso meaning "to strike".

F

Ferula ~ Fascius

Pronunciation: feh-ROO-lah
Description: Creates a bandage and a splint.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Lupin in Prisoner of Azkaban to bind Ron's broken leg.
Suggested Etymology: Latin ferula meaning "a stick", or fascia meaning bandage.

(Fidelius Charm)

Description: A charm involving secret information hidden within the soul of a Secret-Keeper. This information is irretrievable until the Secret-Keeper chooses to reveal it; those who have the secret revealed to them cannot reveal it to others.
Seen/Mentioned: In Prisoner of Azkaban, it is explained that when Harry was an infant, he and his parents, James and Lily Potter, were hidden from Voldemort by this charm. Later, in Order of the Phoenix, the charm is used to hide the location of the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. Order members in Deathly Hallows also use it to protect their homes.
Suggested Etymology: Latin fidelis meaning "confidants".
Notes: 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. However, in Deathly Hallows, it is explained that upon the Keeper's death, all those who have been told the secret become Secret-Keepers in turn, and can pass the secret on to others.

Finite Incantatem

Pronunciation: fi-NEE-tay in-can-TAH-tem
Description: Negates many spells or the effects of many spells.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in the Chamber of Secrets to stop a rogue bludger bewitched by Dobby. Snape uses it in Chamber of Secrets to restore order in the Duelling Club when Harry and Draco are duelling. Lupin uses the short form "Finite" in Order of the Phoenix. In Deathly Hallows, Hermione suggests to Ron to attempt to use this spell to stop it raining in Yaxley's office. Harry used Finite to counter Crabbe's Descendo attack on Ron in the same book.
Suggested Etymology: Latin finio meaning "to put an end to" and Latin cantio meaning "enchantment".

Flagrate

Pronunciation: fluh-GRAYT, or FLAY-grayt
Description: With this spell, the caster's wand can leave fiery marks.
Seen/Mentioned: Cast by Tom Riddle in The Chamber of Secrets to spell out 'Tom Marvolo Riddle' and switch it to 'I am Lord Voldemort' also cast by Hermione in Order of the Phoenix to identify doors of the Department of Mysteries which members of Dumbledore's Army had already opened, by marking them with an 'X'.
Suggested Etymology: Latin flagro meaning "glowing".

Flagrantia (Flagrante Curse)

Pronunciation: flah-GRAN-tee-uh
Description: Causes any object affected to burn human skin when touched.
Seen/Mentioned: Seen in the Lestranges' vault in Deathly Hallows, as a criminal deterrent.
Suggested Etymology: Latin flagrantia meaning "burning, blazing".

(Flying Charm)

Description: Cast on broomsticks, and (presumably) magic carpets to make them fly.
Seen/Mentioned: Draco mentioned this spell when tauntingly asking Ron why would anyone cast a Flying Charm on Ron's broomstick in Order of the Phoenix during Ron's first Quidditch practice. It is also mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages.

Furnunculus (Furnunculus Curse)

Pronunciation: fer-NUN-kyoo-lus
Description: Causes the target to become covered in boils.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry in Goblet of Fire on Draco, but was deflected onto Goyle instead. Also used later in the book when Draco tried to harass Harry on the Hogwarts Express and was hit with a couple of curses, including the Furnuculus Curse (which was cast by Harry).
Suggested Etymology: Latin furunculus originally meaning "petty thief" but later used to mean "boil" in English.

G

Geminio

Pronunciation: jeh-MIH-nee-oh or geh-MIH-nee-oh (hard "g")
Description: Creates a duplicate of any object upon which it is cast. As revealed by the goblin Griphook, any copies created are worthless.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in Deathly Hallows to copy Salazar Slytherin's locket in order to hide their tracks from Umbridge.
Suggested Etymology: Latin gemino meaning "to double".

Glacius ~ Congelus

Pronunciation: GLAH-see-us
Description: the freezing charm/curse; causes the target to freeze, as if left in a freezer for some time.
Seen/Mentioned: Not in cannon, but in video games.
Suggested Etymology: Latin glaciare, or to freeze or to ice up, or congelo.

Glisseo

Pronunciation: GLISS-see-oh
Description: Causes the steps on a stairway to flatten and form a ramp or slide.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione to escape from pursuing Death Eaters in Deathly Hallows. Used on the girls dormitory to ensure that boys cannot get in.
Suggested Etymology: French glisser meaning "slide".

(Gripping Charm)

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.

H

Homenum Revelio

Pronunciation: hoh-MEN-um reh-VEH-lee-oh
Description: Reveals humans near the caster.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Dumbledore to detect Harry under his Invisibility Cloak, but first named when used multiple times by various characters in Deathly Hallows.
Suggested Etymology: Latin homo/hominis meaning "person" and Latin revelo meaning "to unveil".

(Hurling Hex)

Description: Causes brooms to vibrate violently in the air and try to buck their rider off.
Seen/Mentioned: In Philosopher's Stone, Quirinus Quirrell may have been casting a wordless and wandless version of this spell on Harry's broom during his Quidditch match. Flitwick suggested that Harry's confiscated Firebolt may be jinxed with this spell.

I

Impedimenta (Impediment Jinx, Impediment Curse)

Pronunciation: im-ped-ih-MEN-tah
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 not made clear. If this spell does bind it does eventually wear off as stated in Deathly Hallows.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire when Harry is practicing for the third task. Also used by Madam Hooch to shortly stop Harry from fighting with Draco. Also seen toward the end of Order of the Phoenix, when Harry is fighting the Death Eaters. Stronger uses of this spell seem capable of blowing targets away.
Suggested Etymology: Latin impedimentum (plural impedimenta) meaning "a hindrance" or "an impediment".

Imperio (Imperius Curse)

Pronunciation: im-PEER-ee-oh
Description: Causes the victim of the curse to obey the spoken/unspoken commands of the caster. The experience of being controlled by this curse is described as a complete, wonderful release from any sense of responsibility or worry over one's actions, at the price of one's free will. Resisting the effect of the curse is possible, however, and several individuals have been able to successfully overcome it, including Harry and both of the Crouchs, who learn to resist the curse after being subjected to its effects for an extended period. Harry describes the feeling of being the caster as controlling a marionette through a wand (although Harry's particular experience is suspect due to his lack of commitment to casting Unforgivable Curses). One of the three Unforgivable Curses.
Seen/Mentioned: first mentioned (not by name) in the first book when Ron told Harry that Lucius Malfoy claimed himself being jinxed during the first war, thus Lucius evaded capture. First seen in Goblet of Fire introduced by Barty Crouch Jr (acting as Moody) and used on a spider. Used by Harry in Deathly Hallows on a Gringotts goblin and a Death Eater.
Suggested Etymology: Imperare is Latin for "to order, command", and is the root of several modern English words. Imperium means "command" or "domain", and imperio means (among other things) "with authority". (Compare to impero, "I command", and to crucio above.) Imperius is not, however, a Latin word.

(Imperturbable Charm)

Description: Makes objects such as doors impenetrable (by everything, including sounds and objects).
Seen/Mentioned: The spell is used by Mrs Weasley in Order of the Phoenix on the door of the room in which an Order meeting was being held, in order to prevent her sons, Fred and George, from eavesdropping (using their extendable ears).
Suggested Etymology: Latin imperturbatus meaning "calm" or "undisturbed".<ref name="und" />

Impervius (Impervius Charm)

Pronunciation: im-PURR-vee-uss
Description: This spell makes something repel (literally, become impervious to) substances and outside forces, including water.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in Prisoner of Azkaban on Harry's glasses while in a Quidditch match and also by the Gryffindor Quidditch team in Order of the Phoenix, both times to allow team members to see in a driving rain. Also used in Deathly Hallows, first by Ron to protect objects in Yaxley's office from rain, and then by Hermione in an attempt to protect Harry, Ron and Griphook from the burning treasure in the Lestranges' vault.
Suggested Etymology: Latin impervious meaning "impassable".

Incarcerus

Pronunciation: in-CAR-sir-us
Description: Ties someone or something up with ropes.
Seen/Mentioned: First heard in Order of the Phoenix, when Umbridge gets in a battle with the centaurs. Also used by Harry on the Inferi in Voldemort's Horcrux chamber, in Half-Blood Prince.
Suggested Etymology: English incarcerate meaning "to imprison" or "to confine".

Incendio

Pronunciation: in-SEN-dee-oh
Description: Produces fire.
Seen/Mentioned: It is first seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when Hagrid (non-verbally) produces fire out of his umbrella in the little house the Dursleys took refuge in (from the Hogwarts letters). In Half-Blood Prince, this spell is used several times in battle, for instance when Hagrid's hut is set ablaze.
Suggested Etymology: Latin incendo meaning "to set fire".

Inortus (Disillusionment Charm)

Pronumciation: in-OR-tus
Seen/Mentioned: First in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, when Dumbledore tells Harry that he does not need a cloak to become invisible. In Order of the Phoenix, Moody casts this charm on Harry. Mentioned in Half-Blood Prince on a purple leaflet from the Ministry of Magic. Xenophilius Lovegood mentions, in Deathly Hallows, that Invisibility Cloaks are sometimes created by casting a Disillusionment Charm on a regular cloak.
Etymology: Latin ortus meaning "to become visible."
Notes: The described sensation of a Disillusionment Charm is a feeling "something cold and wet trickling down your back." When the charm is lifted, the subject feels something hot trickling down their back. This spell is as effective as the level of wizarding power is from the user. A weaker wizard will not perform the charm to its fullest extent. Incumbo would be used to apply this to one's self (by Inortus Incumbo). To apply this to, say, a cloak, one would say Inortus Amiculum (amiculum meaning "cloak").

Invenio Hostis (Intruder Charm)

Description: Detects intruders and sounds an alarm.
Seen/Mentioned: Slughorn had it on a temporary Muggle owned house he was living in, allowing him to detect Dumbledore and Harry as they approached in Half-Blood Prince.It is possible that Alastor Moody had it on his house to set off charmed dustbins (which spewed litter at intruders) if there was an intruder on his property.
Etymology: Latin invenio meaning to discover + hostis meaning "hostiles."

Invulnero Ignis (Flame-Freezing Charm)

Pronunciation: in-VUL-ner-oh IG-nis
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 Prisoner of Azkaban in the Book History of Magic which Harry is reading to do his homework. Witches and wizards used this spell during medieval burnings. It is also said in A History of Magic that Wendelin the Weird enjoyed being "burned" that she would openly tell people that she was a witch just so she could be caught and burned; no less then forty-seven times in different names.
Etymology: Latin ignis meaning fire or flame + vulnero meaning harm, combined with the prefix in- meaning to negate.

J

None currently known.

K

(Knee-Reversal Hex)

Description: Causes the victim's knees to appear on the opposite side of their legs.
Seen/Mentioned: In Quidditch Through the Ages, Gertie Keddle uses this hex when a man playing an early form of Quidditch comes to retrieve his ball from her garden.

L

Langlock

Pronunciation: LANG-lock
Description: Glues the subject's tongue to the roof of their mouth. Created by Snape.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry in Half-Blood Prince on Peeves and on Argus Filch, to general applause.
Suggested Etymology: Latin lingua meaning "a tongue" or "a language" and English lock meaning "to fasten".

Legilimens

Pronunciation: Le-JILL-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 Snape on Harry during Occlumency lessons in Order of the Phoenix. Also used non-verbally by Snape on Harry in Half-Blood Prince to allow him to see where Harry had learned the Sectumsempra spell.
Suggested Etymology: Latin legere meaning "to read" and Latin mens meaning "mind".
Notes: See also Legilimency for more information.

Levicorpus

Pronunciation: leh-vih-COR-pus (nonverbal)
Description: The victim is dangled upside-down by one of their ankles, sometimes accompanied by a flash of white light. Created by Snape
Seen/Mentioned: It was originally shown to be a nonverbal-only spell, but by one of the mistakes in the Deathly Hallows, the text shows that Hermione whispers it to lift Harry so he can steal the Cup of Helga Hufflepuff. Harry learns it by reading the notes written by the Half-Blood Prince. He inadvertently uses it on Ron in Half-Blood Prince. In addition, in Order of Phoenix, Harry sees (through the Pensieve) his father, James Potter, use the spell against Snape. The counter curse is Liberacorpus.
Suggested Etymology: Latin levis meaning "light" and Latin corpus meaning "body".

Liberacorpus

Pronunciation: lib-er-ah-COR-pus (nonverbal)
Description: The counter spell to Levicorpus. Created by Snape.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry uses the spell in Half-Blood Prince to counteract the Levicorpus spell he inadvertently casts on Ron. He also casts it on himself in Deathly Hallows after managing to retrieve the Horcrux from the shelf in the Lestranges vault.
Suggested Etymology: Latin liberare meaning "to free", and Latin corpus meaning "body".

Lignovultis Eximo

Pronunciation: LIG-no-VUL-tis EX-ih-mo
Description: A charm or spell used by a wandmaker to cut, or chisel at, the face of a piece of wand wood.
Suggested Etymology: Latin Lignum meaning wood, Vultus meaning the form or shape, and Eximo meaning to remove.
Notes: Does not work on anything but wood, and must be done delicately.
See Also: Verteris, Mitigo Forma, and Textoparo Penitus

Locomotor

Pronunciation: loh-koh-MOH-tor
Description: The spell is always used with the name of a target, at which the wand is pointed (e.g. "Locomotor Trunk!"). The spell causes the named object to rise in the air and move around at the will of the caster.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Tonks in Order of the Phoenix to move Harry's trunk from his room. Flitwick similarly uses it to move Sybill Trelawney's trunk after 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 Deathly Hallows is Piertotum Locomotor, which animated the suits of armour in Hogwarts.
Suggested Etymology: Latin loco meaning "to place" and Latin moto meaning "to move about".

Locomotor Mortis (Leg-Locker Curse)

Pronunciation: loh-koh-MOH-tor MOR-tis
Description: Locks the legs together, preventing the victim from moving the legs in any fashion.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Draco on Neville Longbottom in Philosopher's Stone. Also mentioned further on in the book as Ron and Hermione prepare to use it on Snape during a Quidditch match. Used by Harry on Draco, who deflects it, in Half-Blood Prince.
Suggested Etymology: Latin loco meaning "to place", Latin moto meaning "to move about", and Latin mors/mortis meaning "death".

Lumos

Pronunciation: LOO-mos
Description: Creates a narrow beam of light that shines from the wand's tip, like a flashlight or torch.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Chamber of Secrets and then constantly throughout the series.
Suggested Etymology: Latin lumen meaning "light".
Notes: The counter spell, Nox, extinguishes the light. The caster of this spell can cast other spells while this spell is in effect. This spell may also be combined with the word maximos to magnify and release the light for use in a larger area.

M

Meteorojinx Recanto

Pronunciation: mee-tee-OR-oh-jincks reh-CAN-toh.
Description: Causes weather effects caused by incantations to cease.
Seen/Mentioned: Suggested in Deathly Hallows by Arthur Weasley to Ron (disguised by the Polyjuice Potion as Reginald 'Reg' Cattermole from Magical Maintenance) as the best way to clear up the incessant rain in Yaxley's office at the Ministry.
Suggested Etymology: Greek meteôrologia meaning "meteorology", English jinx meaning "to bring bad luck to", and Latin recanto meaning "to charm away".

Mitigo Forma

Pronunciation: MI-tih-goh FOR-mah
Description: A charm used by a wandmaker to smooth the face of a piece of wandwood, as if sanding and buffing.
Suggested Etymology: Latin Mitigo meaning to make smooth, and Forma meaning the shape of or form.
Notes:
See Also: Verteris, Lignovultis Eximo, and Textoparo Penitus

Mobilicorpus

Pronunciation: MO-bil-ee-COR-pus
Description: Lifts a body a few inches off the ground and levitates it where the caster points their wand.
Seen/Mentioned: Sirius uses it on Snape in Prisoner of Azkaban.
Suggested Etymology: Latin mobilito meaning "to set in motion" and Latin corpus meaning "a body". May also be related to the mobiliarbus charm which was used to move a Christmas Tree (mobili- and arbos, or "move the tree"). It is possible that one might pick up and move any object at all if one knew the latin name for it (as for arbos is for tree). This would work similarly to the Serpensortia charm.

Morsmordre (Dark Mark)

Pronunciation: morz-MOR-druh
Description: Conjures the Dark Mark, Voldemort's mark. It is conjured when the Death Eaters had killed someone in a place.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Barty Crouch Jr in Goblet of Fire. Also seen in Half-Blood Prince over the castle to lure Dumbledore to his death. Voldemort apparently invented it. According to Mr Weasley, very few wizards know how to cast this spell.
Suggested Etymology: Latin mors meaning "death", and French mordre (from Latin mordere) meaning "to bite."

Muffliato

Pronunciation: muf-lee-AH-toh
Description: Fills peoples' ears with an unidentifiable buzzing to keep them from hearing nearby conversations. Created by Snape
Seen/Mentioned: It is used in Half-Blood Prince by Harry and Ron on various teachers and people such as Madam Pomfrey. Hermione also uses it in Deathly Hallows in protection of the campsite where she and Harry stayed in hiding.
Suggested Etymology: English muffle meaning "to make a sound less distinct by covering its source".

N

Nox

Pronunciation: Noks
Description: Ceases the Lumos spell on one's own wand.
Seen/Mentioned: In Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry and Hermione used this spell to turn off their wand-lights in the Shrieking Shack. Also used in Deathly Hallows when Harry was in the passage beneath the Whomping Willow which leads to the Shrieking Shack.
Suggested Etymology: Latin nox meaning "night".

O

Obliviate

Pronunciation: oh-BLI-vee-ate
Description: Used to hide a memory of a particular event.
Seen/Mentioned: First used in Chamber of Secrets by Lockhart on Harry and Ron; the spell backfired due to a faulty wand, causing Lockhart to lose most of his own memory (which he never recovers). In Deathly Hallows, Hermione uses the spell on two Death Eaters who had followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione after their escape from Bill Weasley and Fleur's wedding. Also used on Xenophilius Lovegood by Hermione after destroying his house in Deathly Hallows.
Suggested Etymology: Latin oblivium meaning "forgetfulness".

Obscuro

Pronunciation: ob-SKOO-roh
Description: Causes a blindfold to appear over the victim's eyes, obstructing their view of their surroundings.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in Deathly Hallows to obstruct the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black' view of their location.
Suggested Etymology: Latin obscuro meaning "to hide or conceal".

Oppugno

Pronunciation: oh-PUG-noh
Description: Causes conjured objects to attack.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione in Half-Blood Prince to attack Ron with a conjured flock of canaries (see Avis).
Suggested Etymology: Latin oppugno meaning "to attack".

Orchideous

Pronunciation: or-KID-ee-us
Description: Makes a bouquet of flowers appear out of the caster's wand.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire by Ollivander to test Fleur's wand.
Suggested Etymology: English orchid meaning "a plant of a large family with complex showy flowers".

P

Pack

Pronunciation: As in English: pack"
Description: Packs a trunk, or perhaps any luggage.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Prisoner of Azkaban by Lupin in his office, and in Order of the Phoenix by Tonks, once verbally and again non-verbally.

Periculum

Pronunciation: peh-RIK-you-lum
Description: Sends a red flare, or a jet of sparks, from the caster's wand.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry Potter in the film Goblet of Fire to alert others to the location of Fleur Delacour's unconsious body.
Etymology From the Latin danger.

Petrificus Totalus (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 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 Order of the Phoenix. Seen in Half-Blood Prince as Dumbledore casts the spell to make Harry freeze so he doesn't give himself away. The spell was broken when Dumbledore was killed.
Suggested Etymology: English petrify meaning "to turn to stone" and English total meaning complete
Notes: The eyes of the target remain mobile, as seen in the Philosopher's Stone, and in the Deathly Hollows.

Piertotum Locomotor

Pronunciation: pee-ayr-TOH-tum (or peer-TOH-tum) loh-koh-MOH-tor
Description: Spell used to animate statues and suits of armour to do the caster's bidding.
Seen/Mentioned: In Deathly Hallows, McGonagall uses this spell to animate the suits of armour and statues within Hogwarts to defend the castle.
Suggested Etymology: Latin petrus, same etymology of Italian name "Pietro" (English "Peter"), meaning "stone", Latin totus meaning "whole of", Latin loco meaning "to place", and Latin moto meaning "to move about".
Notes: A similar spell that may be used in place of this spell is animate.

Portus

Pronunciation: POR-tus
Description: Turns an object into a portkey the object glows an odd blue colour to show being transformed into a portkey, then goes solid again.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Dumbledore in Order of the Phoenix.
Suggested Etymology: Latin portus meaning "a port".
Notes: Portkeys were first seen in 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 Order of the Phoenix when Dumbledore creates a Portkey to get Harry Potter and Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny Weasley to Grimmauld place.

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 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. Mentioned in Deathly Hallows as a means of discovering that Harry had been casting spells with Hermione's wand (implying that his own was broken).
Suggested Etymology: Latin prior meaning "former" and Latin incanto meaning "to enchant".

Protego (Shield Charm)

Pronunciation: pro-TAY-goh
Description: The Shield Charm causes minor to moderate jinxes, curses, and hexes to rebound upon the attacker. It can also cause a shield to erupt from the caster's wand.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Goblet of Fire, in which Harry is taught this spell by Hermione in preparation for the third task in the Triwizard Tournament. Also used throughout the series. Examples are in Order of the Phoenix when Harry is duelling the Death Eaters. Harry later uses it in ‘Deathly Hallows to separate Ron and Hermione when they are fighting.
Suggested Etymology: Latin protego meaning "to protect".
Notes: With enough power it can knock back anyone standing near it.

Protego Horribilis

Pronunciation: pro-TAY-goh horr-uh-BIL-lis
Description: Provides some form of protection against Dark Magic.
Seen/Mentioned: Cast by Flitwick in an attempt to strengthen the castle's defences in Deathly Hallows
Suggested Etymology: Latin protego meaning "to protect", Latin horribilis meaning "horrible".

Protego Totalum

Pronunciation: pro-TAY-goh toh-TAH-lum
Description: Provides protection of some form for an area or dwelling.
Seen/Mentioned: In Deathly Hallows, this is one of the spells used by Hermione and Harry to protect their camp site from unwanted visitors.
Suggested Etymology: Latin protego meaning "to protect" and Latin totus meaning "as a whole".

Q

Quietus

Pronunciation: KWY-uh-tus
Description: Makes a magically magnified voice return to normal.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire by Ludo Bagman.
Suggested Etymology: Latin quietus meaning "undisturbed, calm".
Notes: Functions as the counter spell to Sonorus.

R

Reducio

Pronunciation: re-DOO-see-oh
Description: Makes an enlarged object smaller. Counter-charm to Engorgio.
Seen/Mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire by Barty Crouch Jr (as Mad Eye Moody) to shrink the spider he used to demonstrate the Cruciatus Curse.
Suggested Etymology: Latin reductio meaning "to bring back".

Reducto (Reductor Curse)

Pronunciation: re-DUK-toh
Description: Enables the caster to blast solid objects away.
Seen/Mentioned: In 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 Order of the Phoenix, Gryffindors in Harry's year reference Parvati Patil as being able to reduce a table full of dark detectors to ashes; in 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.
Suggested Etymology: Latin reductio meaning "to restore". May also be related to the English form of the word reduce, or commonly in this case reduce to ashes.

Relashio

Pronunciation: reh-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.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Harry against Grindylows in the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. When used more expertly by Bob Ogden in Half-Blood Prince, it threw Marvolo Gaunt backwards after an attempted attack. Hermione uses it in Deathly Hallows to free Mrs Cattermole from the chained chair.
Suggested Etymology: Italian rilasciare meaning "to release".

Rennervate

Pronunciation: reh-NUR-vayt
Description: Brings someone out of unconsciousness.
Seen/Mentioned: In Goblet of Fire, Amos Diggory uses it to wake up a house elf and Dumbledore uses it to wake up Krum and Barty Crouch Jr. In "Goblet of Fire", Harry later uses it to try to reawaken a cursed Dumbledore in the seaside cave.
Suggested Etymology: Officially renamed from Ennervate 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.
Notes: Counter spell to Stupefy; when this spell is cast, red light is emitted.

Reparo

Pronunciation: reh-PAH-roh
Description: Used to repair broken or damaged objects.
Seen/Mentioned: Many times throughout the books. Shattered objects are often described as having "flown" back together. However, substances contained within broken objects are not restored.
Suggested Etymology: Latin reparo meaning "to renew" or "repair".

Repellio Muggletum (Muggle-Repelling Charm)

Pronunciation: reh-PELL-ee-oh MUG-ul-tum
Description: Keeps Muggles away from wizarding places by causing them to remember important meetings they missed and to cause the Muggles in question to forget what they were doing in the first place.
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. Harry and Hermione also use it on numerous occasions, among many other spells, to protect and hide their campsite in Deathly Hallows.
Suggested Etymology: Latin repello meaning "to drive away".

Rictusempra

Pronunciation: ric-tuh-SEM-pra
Description: The subject experiences the sensation of being tickled after being thrown into the air.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen used by Harry on Draco in Chamber of Secrets, when they fought in the Dueling Club.
Suggested Etymology: Latin rictus meaning "open mouth", and Latin semper meaning "always".
Notes: This spell takes the form of a jet of silver light.

Riddikulus

Pronunciation: rih-DIH-koo-lus
Description: A spell used when fighting a Boggart, "Riddikulus" forces the Boggart to take the appearance of an object upon which the caster is concentrating. When used correctly this will be a humorous form.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Prisoner of Azkaban, when taught by Lupin. Then seen in Goblet of Fire on a boggart that was in the maze in the Third Task. Finally seen in Order of the Phoenix, when Mrs Weasley tries to cast Riddikulus on a Boggart in Grimmauld Place.
Suggested Etymology: Latin ridiculus meaning "absurd".
Notes: The effect depends on what the caster is thinking. Neville concentrates on his grandmother's dress, causing a Boggart in the form of Snape to appear in it.

S

Salvio Hexia

Pronunciation: SAL-vee-oh HECKS-ee-ah
Description: Provides some form of protection against hexes.
Seen/Mentioned: Harry and Hermione cast this spell to strengthen their campsite's defences against intruders in Deathly Hallows.
Suggested Etymology: Latin salvus meaning "safe" and English hex meaning "a magic spell".

Scourgify (Scouring Charm)

Pronunciation: SKUR-jih-fy
Description: Used to clean something.
Seen/Mentioned: First used by Tonks to clean Hedwig's cage in Order of the Phoenix. Later, Ginny performs the spell to clean up Stinksap in the Hogwarts Express. While looking at Snape's memories, Harry sees his father use the spell on Snape's mouth.
Suggested Etymology: English scour meaning "to clean by vigorous rubbing".

Sectumsempra

Pronunciation: sec-tum-SEMP-rah
Description: Wounds the target; described as being as though the subject had been "slashed by a sword". Created by Severus Snape.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Order of the Phoenix when Snape uses it in his memory against James Potter, but misses and only lightly cuts his cheek. Used by Harry in Half-Blood Prince against Draco, and then later against the Inferi in Voldemort's Horcrux chamber, and Snape during his flight from Hogwarts. In the opening chapters of Deathly Hallows, Snape accidentally casts this curse against George Weasley in the Order's flight from Privet Drive, though George was not his intended target. It is known as a specialty of Snape's.
Suggested Etymology: Latin sectura meaning "cutting" and Latin semper meaning "always".
Notes: Though Snape was able to mend the wounds inflicted on Draco by this curse with ease, with "an incantation that sounded almost like song", Mrs Weasley was unable to heal her son George, when his ear was severed by the curse. It was discovered in an old copy of Advanced Potion Making by Harry; Sectumsempra was invented by Snape with the words "For enemies" written next to it.

Serpensortia

Pronunciation: ser-pen-SOR-tee-uh
Description: Conjures a serpent from the spell caster’s wand.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Draco while duelling Harry in Chamber of Secrets
Suggested Etymology: Latin serpens meaning "a snake" and Latin ortis meaning "source".
Notes: A magical person may be able to conjure any beast or animal using a similar spell by calling the creature's name (Class, Order, or Genus) in latin and following it with the suffix -ortia. For instance, one might be able to conjure a spider using the spell arachnosortia, and possibly a deer using cervidasortia.

Silencio (Silencing Charm)

Pronunciation: sih-LEN-see-oh
Description: Silences something immediately
Seen/Mentioned: First used by Hermione in Order of the Phoenix to silence a frog and a raven in Charms class, then later to silence a Death Eater who was trying to shout for help. It was also used by Voldemort in Deathly Hallows during the Battle of Hogwarts.
Suggested Etymology: Italian silenzio meaning "silence".

Sonorus

Pronunciation: soh-NOR-us
Description: Magnifies the spell caster’s voice, functioning as a magical megaphone.
Seen/Mentioned: By Ludo Bagman and Cornelius Fudge in Goblet of Fire to commentate at the Quidditch World Cup. Also used by Dumbledore to silence everyone in the Great Hall in Goblet of Fire. Used by Voldemort several times during the Battle of Hogwarts in Deathly Hallows.
Suggested Etymology: Latin sonorus meaning "loud".
Notes: The counter-spell is Quietus.

Specialis Revelio (Scarpin's Revelaspell)

Pronunciation: speh-see-AHLIS reh-VEL-ee-oh
Description: Causes an object to show its hidden secrets or magical properties.
Seen/Mentioned: Used by Hermione to find out more of Harry's Advanced Potion-Making book in Half-Blood Prince. Used by Ernie Macmillan to find out the ingredients of a potion.
Suggested Etymology: Latin specialis meaning "special" and Latin revelo meaning "to unveil".

Stupefy (Stunning Spell, Stupefying Charm, Stunner)

Pronunciation: STOO-peh-fye
Description: Puts the victim in an unconscious state. Manifests as a beam of red light.
Seen/Mentioned: Throughout the series; particularly by a number of Ministry officials against McGonagall in Order of the Phoenix. It is also taught by Harry in his D.A. meetings and used extensively during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries against the Death Eaters.
Suggested Etymology: Latin stupefacio meaning "to make senseless".
Notes: Hagrid was able to withstand multiple direct Stunners due to being half-giant, and Goblet of Fire shows six to seven wizards being needed, working in unison, to Stun a single dragon.

T

Tarantallegra

Pronunciation: ta-RON-tuh-LEG-rah
Description: Makes victim's legs dance uncontrollably, so the victim cannot control his or her movements (recalling the tarantella dance).
Seen/Mentioned: First used by Draco on Harry in the Duelling Club in Chamber of Secrets. In Order of the Phoenix, a counter jinx is mentioned it is Finite. It is notably used against Neville in the Department of Mysteries, causing the prophecy to be broken.
Suggested Etymology: English tarantella meaning "a rapid whirling dance" and Italian allegra meaning "joyful".

Tergeo

Pronunciation: TUR-jee-oh
Description: Siphons material from a surface, e.g. blood, ink, dust, etc.
Seen/Mentioned: Hermione uses this spell in Half-Blood Prince to remove blood from Harry's face, as well as to remove ink from an essay that Ron had completed previously. It was used in Deathly Hallows to clean off a handkerchief by Ron, and to dust off a picture of Gellert Grindelwald in Bathilda Bagshot's house.
Suggested Etymology: Latin tergeo meaning "to wipe, scour, clean".

Textoparo Penitus

Pronunciation: TEX-toh-par-oh PEN-it-us
Description: A charm used by a wandmaker to join the wand wood and the wand core as one.
Suggested Etymology: Latin textero meaning to weave, Paro meaning to put, and Penitus meaning inside.
Notes: This charm must be done delicately. The charm is extremely specific to joining the specific wand wood and the specific wand core. These words must be included in the complete incantation.
See Also: Verteris, Lignovultis Eximo, Mitigo Forma

U

(Unbreakable Vow)

Description: Causes a vow taken by a witch or wizard to be inviolable; if they should break it, the consequence is death.
Seen/Mentioned: Snape takes an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy at the beginning of Half-Blood Prince, vowing to help Narcissa's son Draco with a task given to him by Voldemort, and to finish the task should Draco prove incapable. Fred and George attempted to force an Unbreakable Vow upon Ron as children. According to Ron, it causes death when the vow is broken.

(Unbreakable Charm)

Description: Causes an object to become unbreakable.
Seen/Mentioned: Hermione uses this spell in Goblet of Fire on a glass jar containing Rita Skeeter in her animagus form (a beetle) so as to make sure she could not return to human form.

V

Verteris

Pronunciation: VER-ter-is
Description: A charm used by a wandmaker to make a piece of wand wood spin, as if in a lathe.
Suggested Etymology: Latin vertere meaning to turn round or to spin.
Notes: This spell may be used in conjunction with Ocius and Lentus
See Also: Lignovultis Eximo, Mitigo Forma, and Textoparo Penitus

W

Wingardium Leviosa (Levitation Charm) ~ Effero

Pronunciation: win-GAR-dee-um lev-ee-OH-sa
Description: Levitates objects.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in Philosopher's Stone, when Flitwick's first-year class practice the spell on feathers. Later in that book, Ron performs the spell on the club of a mountain troll. In Order of the Phoenix, this is the answer to the first question on Harry's Charms OWL. The spell is also used in Deathly Hallows by Harry to levitate the sidecar of a flying motorbike, and by Ron to levitate a branch, to prod the knot which freezes the Whomping Willow. However, it is shown during the same attempt to levitate the sidecar that the spell can deteriorate.
Suggested Etymology: English wing meaning "fly", Latin arduus meaning "high", and Latin levis meaning "light". Also, effero from the latin to lift up.


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