Accio

Latin for “to summon”. Summoning charm, used to make objects fly straight to the spell caster.

Alohomora

From Hawaiian “Aloha” which means “hello/farewell” and Latin “mora” which means “obstacle”. This spell is used to open a locked door or window. While it will not unlock all magically sealed doors, it works well against "Colloportus."

Anti-Cheating Spell

A spell that teachers at Hogwarts use on quills or exams to prevent cheating.

Anti-Disapparation Jinx

When cast on a person it prevents them from Disapparating. Dumbledore used this jinx to bind the Death Eaters in the Death Chamber at the Ministry of Magic.


Aparecium

“Appareo” is Latin for “appear” or "to become visible". Used to reveal invisible ink.

Apparate

“Appareo” is Latin for “to become visible”. This spell allows the spell caster to appear instantly in a given place. It is used in conjunction with Disapparate. The caster must Disapparate from one location in order to Apparate in another.

Avada Kedavra

A corruption of "abracadabra" which was used as a healing spell to drive disease from the patient's body in the Middle Ages. Its likely source is either the Arabic "abra kadabra" (may the things be destroyed), or the Aramaic "abhadda kedhabhra" (disappear with these words).

The Killing Curse. It requires a strong bit of magic behind it; the incantation alone is not enough for the spell to work. When cast effectively, Avada Kedavra kills instantaneously, producing a blinding flash of green light but leaving no mark on the victim's body. There is no way to block or counter the Killing Curse, and the only people ever to survive it are Harry Potter and Tom Riddle. Avada Kedavra is one of the three Unforgivable Curses and its use against another human being is punishable by a life sentence in Azkaban.

Avis

Latin for “bird”. Conjures a flock of birds.

Babbling Curse

Causes the victim to babble nonsense. Lockhart once cured someone of this curse on his travels. Or not.

Banishing Charm

The opposite of Accio, causes an object to fly away from the caster.

Bat-Bogey Hex

Maybe the effects of this are best left to the imagination. Causes bogies to grow, become bat-like, and attack the victim. Ginny casts this spell on Draco Malfoy in Order of the Phoenix.

Bubblehead Charm

Used to create a bubble of air around the caster’s head. Often used to allow the caster to breathe underwater.

Cheering Charm

Not much is known about these, but it’s safe to assume that they make people happy.

Colloportus

From the Latin "colligere," meaning "bind together" and "portus," meaning door.

This spell is used to magically seal doors, but is not particularly effective. It can easy be countered with "Alohomora," which will open any door sealed with "Collloportus."

Confundus Charm

“Confundo” is Latin for “to confuse”. Used to confuse an object or person, to make them believe what the spell caster wants them to.

Conjunctivitis Curse

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (mucous membrane that lines the surface of the eyelid and the exposed surface of the eyeball), and is taken from the Latin "conjunctus," meaning "joined together."

This curse is aimed at the eyes of the victim and causes the eyelids to crust together so that the victim cannot see. In addition to loss of sight, it seems to cause pain to the victim as well.

Crucio

Latin for “to torture”.

The Cruciatus Curse. This inflicts severe physical pain on whomever it is cast upon. To effectively use the Cruciatus Curse, the witch or wizard casting the spell must have the genuine desire to cause pain. When effectively used, the curse is excruciating and has the ability to drive victims insane. As such, it is one of the three Unforgivable Curses. The use of this spell against another human being is punishable by a life sentence in Azkaban.

Curse of the Bogies

Professor Quirrell told his class about this curse, although its exact effect is unknown. Something to do with bogies, no doubt.

Cushioning Charm

Creates an invisible cushioned area. It is primarily used in broomstick manufacture to make the brooms more comfortable to sit on.

Deletrius

“Delete” means “to erase”. Used to erase spell images conjured by Priori Incantem.

Densaugeo

From the Latin "dens," meaning "tooth," and "augeo," meaning "increase, enlarge."

Enlarges the teeth of the victim.

Diffindo

Latin for “to split”. A spell that rips an object in half.

Disapparate

From the Latin "disparitio" meaning "disappearance," or "dispareo" meaning "to vanish."

This spell allows the caster to disappear instantly from any given place with a soft popping noise. It is used in conjunction with Apparate. The caster must Disapparate from one location before he or she can Apparate in another.

Disillusion

Literal meaning is to remove an illusion. Generally used to indicate unhappiness with a situation.

Spell used to hide something. Typically used to hide magical objects and occurrences from Muggles.

Dissendium

This is possibly a path-revealing spell. It was used to open a secret passage to Hogsmeade.

Drought Charm

Dries up a limited amount of water. Harry decided he probably wouldn't be able to use it to dry up the entire Hogwarts lake.

Engorgio

“Engorge” means “to fill to excess”.

The Engorgement Charm. Causes the target to enlarge. See also "Enlargement Charm".

Enlargement Charm

Similar to an Engorgement Charm (Engorgio), this causes an object to swell in size. The Weasley twins put an Enlargement Charm on a copy of The Quibbler which contained Harry's interview, so it may be that the Engorgement Charm works only on organic matter (ie animal or vegetable), whilst the Enlargement Charm works on other objects.

Ennervate

Revives someone, especially someone who has had Stupefy cast on them.

Entrail-Expelling Curse

Invented by Urquhart Rackharrow, 1612-1697. Effect unknown, but presumably involves expelling entrails.

Entrancing Enchantment

Entrances the person the spell is cast upon.

Evanesco

Latin for “to vanish”.

This spell is used to make an object disappear. It is assumed this spell works only on objects, and not on people.

Expecto Patronum

"Patronus" is Latin for "protector".

The Patronus Charm. When literally translated, the phrase "Expecto Patronum" means, "I expect a guardian." The Patronus Charm is highly advanced magic, beyond Ordinary Wizarding Level. It is used to ward off both Dementors and Lethifolds and probably works against other creatures as well. To conjure a Patronus, the spell caster must speak the incantation ("Expecto Patronum") while concentrating hard on an extremely happy thought or memory. When the charm is cast successfully, the spell caster's wand emits a Patronus; a stream of silvery vapor that takes on the shape of an animal. The type of animal the Patronus assumes depends entirely upon the witch or wizard who conjures it, reflecting certain traits of the caster's personality. The Patronus is the embodiment of the caster's happy memories and acts as a shield, protecting the witch or wizard.

Expelliarmus

Latin for “to expel a weapon”.

This spell is used to disarm an opponent. Although a simple spell, it causes the victim's wand to fly out of his or her hand, depriving its victim of his or her primary weapon and means of defense. When used by many people on a single target in tandem, the spell is powerful enough to knock the target off of his or her feet, as was demonstrated on Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Extinguishing Spell

Puts out fires. This was used by the keepers of the dragons used in the Triwizard Tournament.

Featherweight Charm

This charm is used to make something lightweight so that it can be carried more easily.

Ferula

Conjures a splint and bandages.

Fidelius Charm

“Fidelis” is Latin for “faithful friends”.

This is a complex charm that allows someone or something to be hidden away, often times in plain sight, for an indefinite period of time. The location of the hidden people or items is a secret known only to one person, the Secret-Keeper, and the information is stored within their very soul. The Secret-Keeper is the only one with the power to divulge the secret. The information remains undisclosed until said time when the Secret-Keeper decides to reveal it; not even those who have been told the secret information can reveal what they know. However, the Secret-Keeper does not have to directly speak with someone to tell him or her the secret, the information can be disclosed in a letter as long as the Secret-Keeper is the one who wrote it.

Finite Incantatem

From the Latin "finis," meaning "end."

Removes the effects of any spells currently cast.

Flagrate

“Flagrantia” is Latin for “burning”. Makes the spell-caster able to draw lines of fire with their wand.

Flame Freezing Charm

Charm used by Medieval witches to remove the effects of the fire when they were burned at the stake. It is a good idea at this point to scream a bit and pretend to be burning.

Freezing Charm

Used by Hermione to immobilise Cornish Pixies in Professor Lockhart's first Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson, following Lockhart's pathetic attempt to deal with them himself.

Furnunculus

Makes the victim's body break out in boils. When used in conjunction with the Jelly-Legs Jinx it causes tentacles to sprout all over the victim's face.

Gripping Charm

Allows a person to grip an object more effectively. This was invented in 1875 and is primarily used in Quidditch to allow the Chasers to handle the Quaffle one-handed whilst still keeping a grip on their brooms.

Hair Loss Curse

Makes the victim lose their hair. Covered by Professor Vindictus Viridian in his book on curses and counter-curses.

Homorphus Charm

From "Homo" meaning "man" and "morphus" meaning "transform". Used to force a Werewolf to revert to human form. Lockhart claimed to have used this against the Wagga Wagga Werewolf. He didn't, of course, but it is likely that it is a real spell.

Horton-Keitch Braking Charm

Patented by Basil Horton and Randolph Keitch, this charm aids broomsticks in slowing down in a controlled manner. It is used on broomsticks made by the Comet company.

Hover Charm

Makes an item hover in the air. Famously used by Dobby on Aunt Petunia’s pudding.

Hurling Hex

Professor Flitwick thought that Harry's new Firebolt broomstick - a gift from Sirius Black - might be jinxed with this hex. It is likely that it causes the rider to be thrown off the broomstick.

Immobulus

"Immobilise" means to prevent moving.

Stops an object moving. The name of this spell comes from the films rather than the books but is included here as it is very likely to be the "clever Freezing Charm" used by Hermione to immobilise Cornish Pixies in Professor Lockhart's first Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson. See also "Freezing Charm".

Impedimenta

“Impedimentum” is Latin for “a hindrance”. Use to stop or slow down a person or creature (as opposed to an object).

Imperio

From the Latin "impero," meaning "to give orders, rule, hold sway," or "imperium," meaning "power to command, rule, control."

The Imperious Curse. This is used to control the actions of another person, leaving that person at the mercy of the spell caster. The experience of being under the curse is described as a fantastic sense of release, until the victim starts to fight back. The curse can be fought, and its hold broken, but many witches and wizards are unable to do so. Because of its very dangerous implications, the Imperious Curse is one of the three Unforgivable Curses. Use of this curse against another human being is punishable by a life sentence in Azkaban.

Imperturbable Charm

Impeturbable means “not able to be disturbed”. Creates a barrier which sounds, objects and people cannot cross.

Impervius

Impervious means “incapable of being affected”. Used to make an object resistant to water.

Incantation-Free Magic

There are a number of places where magic that requires no set incantation appears to take place. An example of this occurs when Tonks packs Harry's bag for him before he sets off for Grimmauld Place. It is true that the spell in question coincides with her saying the word "pack", but this is likely to just be the end of her sentence rather than the name of the spell. She then tries the spell again in an attempt to get Harry's socks to fold themselves and uses a wand movement only (with no incantation at all) and so this seems likely to be a spell which requires no verbal element. Similarly, in Prisoner of Azkaban where Snape is trying to make the Marauders Map reveal its contents, the words he is speaking at the time are very unlikely to be a specific spell incantation. "Show Yourself", which was his first attempt, is a possibility. But if there really is a spell called "Professor Severus Snape, master of this school, commands you to yield the information you conceal!" then we would really like to know more about it! There are numerous other examples throughout the books where magic is carried out with no incantation (and on occasion no wand either): when Hagrid causes the oars of the rowing boat to work on their own when taking Harry back from Hut-on-the-Rock, when Professor Quirrell ties Harry up using Incarcerous in the chamber of the Philosopher's Stone, when Snape ties up Lupin in the Shrieking Shack using the same spell and uses an incantation-free Accio to summon the ropes to him, when Ron unlocks the flying Ford Anglia, and many more.


Incarcerous

“Incarcerate” means to shut in. Summons ropes which then bind the victim.

Incendio

“Incendo” is Latin for “set fire to”. Creates fire.

Jelly-Legs Jinx

Makes the victim’s legs shake uncontrollably.

Legilimens

From the Latin root "lego," meaning "to gather, collect, pass through, read."

This is a practice very similar to Muggle mind reading, except the Legilimens actually explores another's mind and sees the memories stored there. A skilled Legilimens can target the memories that are most hurtful, causing the most pain or fear, and use that knowledge to manipulate the person whose mind they have entered. Occlumency is the defence of the mind against such an attack.

Locomotor

“Loco” is Latin for “place”. “Moto” is Latin for “to move”. Causes an object to travel floating in the air.

Locomotor Mortis

The Leg-Locker Curse. Causes the victim’s legs to lock together. The incantation for this spell is of a similar form to the “Locomotor” spell but doesn’t seem to sit very happily with it, considering the very different effects.

Lumos

“Lumen” is Latin for light. “Luminosus” is Latin for “bright”. Produces light from the end of the caster’s wand.

Mobili-XXXXX

“Mobilis” is Latin for “moveable”. When XXXXX is replaced by an object, the object is forced to move.

Morsmordre

“Mors” is Latin for “death”. Produces the Dark Mark.

Muggle-Repelling Charm

Used to keep Muggles away from things that wizards would prefer them not to see. No harm is done to the Muggles in question.

Nox

Latin for "darkness".

This spell counters "Lumos" by extinguishing the light "Lumos" creates.

Obliteration Charm

“Obliterate” means to wipe out, leaving no trace.

This was used by Hermione to wipe out tracks in the snow. It may be able to remove other marks as well.

Obliviate

"Oblivio" is Latin for "forgetfulness".

The Memory Charm. This spell erases sections of the memory of the victim as chosen by the spell caster. It can wipe out the entire memory if the caster so chooses. The Memory Charm deprives victims of essential knowledge, giving them amnesia-like symptoms that may be incurable.

Occlumency

From the Latin "occlude," meaning "to close, shut up, close off."

This is the defense of the mind against external attack. Occulmency is the only way to protect one's mind from someone using Legilimency.

Orchideous

Named after the orchid, a type of flower. Creates flowers from the caster’s wand.

Permanent Sticking

Charm Used to stick one thing to another. Permanently.

Peskipiksi Pesternomi

Used by Lockhart to attempt to get rid of Cornish Pixies. It had no effect, probably due to the fact that he’d just made it up.

Petrificus Totalus

An adaptation of “totally petrify”. Renders the victim temporarily unable to move.

Placement Charm

Used to remotely position an object. Presumably similar to object moving spells such as Locomotor, except that the Placement Charm allows for accurate positioning of the target object.

Point Me

The Four-Point Spell. This spell causes the spell caster's wand to act as a compass. By holding the wand in open palm and saying the incantation ("Point Me"), the wand automatically points North.

Portus

"Porta" is Latin for "gate".

This spell is used to turn an object into a Portkey. Portkeys are used to transport people from one location to another almost instantly. A Portkey requires direct physical contact in order for it to work properly. The use of Portkeys is closely monitored by the Office of Magical Transportation.

Prior Incantato

From the Latin "priori prius," meaning "former, prior" and an adaptation of the English word "incantation."

The Reverse Spell Effect. When cast, this spell causes a wand to create an echo or ghostly image of the last spells it performed in reverse chronological order. A similar effect is known to occur when two wands sharing a magical core taken from the same animal (but not just another animal from the same species) engage in battle. Brother wands cannot fight each other. Instead, the wands lock together, connected by magical energy. One of the wands will eventually force the other into a Reverse Spell Effect, which when it happens in this manner is referred to as Priori Incantatem.

Protean Charm

A spell which links the appearance of several items. When one item is changed, the others change in the same way.

Protego

Latin for “protect”.

Creates a magical shield to deflect spells from others.

Quietus

Adaptation of "quiet".

This spell negates the effects of the Sonorus Spell, making a magically magnified voice return to its normal state.

Reducio

Adaptation of “reduce”.

This spell causes an object shrink. It also negates the effects of the Engorgio spell, returning any magically enlarged item back to its original size..

Reducto

This spell is used to blast solid object into pieces. It does not work on anything that is not solid.

Relashio

This spell creates heat from the end of the wand. Normally sparks burst from the wand tip as a result of this spell, but if the wand is underwater the spell produces jets of boiling water instead.

Reparo

Latin for “to restore”. Mends the target object.

Repelling Spell

Repels an object.

Repelling Spells were used during early Quidditch matches to prevent the Snidget leaving the playing area.

Rictusempra

From the Latin "rideo risi risum," meaning "to laugh at, laugh."

The Tickling Charm. Causes uncontrollable laughter in the victim.

Riddikulus

Adaptation of "ridiculous".

Causes an item, creature or person to take on a humorous appearance of the spell-caster's choosing. Particularly useful against Boggarts, who are destroyed by laughter.

Scourgify

Cleans an item.

Serpensortia

From “serpent”, a snake.

Creates a snake from the caster’s wand.

Severing Charm

Cuts one thing from another. This probably only works on items rather than people.

Shock Spell

A medicinal spell which treats the patient for shock.

A witch who wrote in to The Quibber following Harry's interview suggested he try a course of Shock Spells in order to restore his sanity.

Silencio

From “silent”.

This charm forces any person, creature, or object it is cast upon to fall silent, unable to make any audible noise.

Slug Curse

Causes the victim to burp slugs.

Sonorus

Latin for “loud”.

Projects the voice of the spell caster, making it very loud.

Spark Charm

Causes sparks to be emitted from the end of the caster’s wand. This may be the same spell as Relashio.

Stealth Sensoring Spell

Rather like a Secrecy Sensor, this spell detects illicit behaviour and alerts the caster. Professor Umbridge had cast this spell on her office door when Harry broke in to contact Sirius using her fireplace.

Stinging Hex

Produces a painful red weal on the victim’s body.

Stupefy

"Stupefy" means "to dull the senses".

It may also derive from the Latin "stupefactus," meaning "stunned." This spell produces a bolt of red light and stuns whoever it is cast upon, knocking the victim unconscious. A single Stunning Spell is not strong enough to do any lasting damage to a victim, but multiple stunners cast on one target can cause serious harm, as was done to Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The spell "Ennervate" can undo the effects of the Stunning Spell and bring victims back to consciousness..

Switching Spells

These are a class of spells which change items from one thing into another. This is the major branch of Transfiguration. It is not clear whether there are a number of related spells for different types of switching or whether it is all done with a single spell, as no details of this are given.

Tarantallegra

The Tarantella is a fast Italian dance. Causes the victim’s legs to dance uncontrollably.

Thief's Curse

Effect unknown. Dumbledore ordered that every copy of Quidditch Through the Ages sold to Muggles was enchanted with this curse to prevent them reading it without buying it.

Tongue-Tying

Curse Effect unknown, but probably something to do with tongues.

Covered by Professor Vindictus Viridian in his book on curses and counter-curses.

Transforming Spells

A close relative of Switching Spells, this class of charm is used to change living creatures (as opposed to items) from one thing into another. This is the other major branch of Transfiguration. It is not clear whether there are a number of related spells for different types of transformation.

Transmogrifian Torture

Lockhart thought that this had been used to kill Mrs Norris when she was found frozen rigid in 1992.

It hadn't of course - perhaps because no such curse actually exists. Mrs Norris was not in fact dead at all and had been petrified by a Basilisk.

Trip Jinx

Causes the victim to trip over.

Unbreakable Charm

Makes an item unbreakable.

Waddiwasi

Causes an item to fly at high speed where the spell caster wants it to. This is likely to be a single variant of a general XXXXX-wasi spell which can be cast on any item. The XXXXX in this case was chewing gum, which is the “waddi” part.

Wingardium Leviosa

Taken in part from the Latin root "levo," meaning "to raise, lift up."

This spell causes an object to levitate. Once levitating, the object can be manipulated in midair by the spell caster.