A

Accio (Summoning Charm)

Pronunciation: Various suggestions have been made, including:
/ˈækioʊ/ ak-ee-oh – film
/ˈæksioʊ/ ak-see-oh – UK audio book and video game
/ˈæsioʊ/ as-see-oh – U.S. audio book
/ˈætʃioʊ/ at-chee-oh – Anglo-Catholic pronunciation
Description: This charm summons an object to the caster, potentially over a significant distance. Its opposite is the Banishing Charm.
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. Hermione was also mentioned trying to learn this charm during her ride aboard the Hogwarts Express. 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 uses it to summon the Triwizard Cup after he encounters Voldemort. When Ron goes mad in the department of mysteries in Order of the Phoenix, he attempts to use it to summon a brain. Harry uses this spell to summon Hagrid in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows but fails.


Aguamenti

Pronunciation: /ˌɑːɡwəˈmɛnti/ ah-gwə-men-tee
Description: Produces a jet of water from the caster's wand.
Seen/mentioned: First seen in Goblet of Fire, when Fleur put the fire out on her skirt "with a bit of water from her wand." 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 again to douse Hagrid's hut after it is set on fire.


Alohomora

Pronunciation: /əˌloʊhəˈmɔərə/ ə-loh-hə-mohr-ə
Description: Used to open and/or unlock doors, but doors can be bewitched so that this spell has no effect.
Seen/mentioned: Used throughout the series, with the first use by Hermione in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Used gradually less in the series as the characters discover more and more doors, chests, etc. with counter-charms on them. For example, the doors into Professor Snape's and Professor Umbridge's offices are mentioned as being Alohomora-proof.
Notes: J. K. Rowling stated that the word was from the West African Sidiki dialect used in geomancy and has the literal meaning Friendly to thieves.


Anapneo

Pronunciation: /əˈnæpniːoʊ/ ə-nap-nee-oh
Description: Clears the target's airway, if blocked.
Seen/mentioned: Shown in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Horace Slughorn casts this spell on Marcus Belby when the latter begins to choke.


Aparecium

Pronunciation: /ˌæpəˈriːsiəm/ ap-ə-ree-see-əm
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.


Avada Kedavra (Killing Curse)

Pronunciation: /əˈvɑːdə kəˈdɑːvrə/ ə-vah-də kə-dah-vrə
Description: Causes instant, painless death to whomever the curse hits. There is no countercurse or method of blocking this spell; however, if someone sacrifices their life for someone else, the person who was saved will not encounter any adverse effects of any curses by the specific attacker (e.g. when Lily Potter sacrificed her life for Harry Potter at Voldemort's hands, Harry became immune to curses cast by Voldemort). One of the three Unforgivable Curses.
Survivors: Only two people in the history of the magical world are known to have survived the killing curse – Harry Potter and Voldemort; the latter was only saved by his horcruxes. Harry was hit twice directly. Phoenixes can also survive a killing curse. They burst into flame as they would do in old age and are reborn from the ashes. This occurred in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Seen/mentioned: First said (not by name) at the beginning of the first book when Harry arrives at the Dursleys' home. Seen first in Goblet of Fire against Muggle Frank Bryce, and in every book following.
Suggested etymology: During an audience interview at the Edinburgh Book Festival (15 April 2004) Rowling said: "Does anyone know where Avada Kedavra came from? It is an ancient spell in Aramaic, and it is the original of Abracadabra, which means 'let the thing be destroyed'. Originally, it was used to cure illness and the 'thing' was the illness, but I decided to make it the 'thing' as in the person standing in front of me. I take a lot of liberties with things like that. I twist them round and make them mine." Rowling's use of this name may have been influenced by Latin cadaver = "corpse".


Avis

Pronunciation: /ˈeɪvᵻs/ ay-vis
Description: This charm creates a flock of birds 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.


C


Cave Inimicum

Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːveɪ ɪnɪˈmiːkəm/ kah-vay i-ni-mee-kəm
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.


Colloportus

Pronunciation: /kɒloʊˈpɔːrtəs/ kol-o-por-təs
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


Confringo (Blasting Curse)

Pronunciation: /kɒnˈfrɪŋɡoʊ/ kon-fring-goh
Description: Causes anything that the spell meets to explode in flames.
Seen/mentioned: Seen only in Deathly Hallows. In the opening chapters, it is cast by Harry to destroy the sidecar of the flying motorbike. Later, it is used by Hermione in an attempt to kill Nagini and facilitate an escape from Bathilda Bagshot's house in Godric's Hollow.


Confundo (Confundus Charm)

Pronunciation: /kɒnˈfʌndoʊ/ kon-fun-doh
Description: Causes the victim to become confused, befuddled, overly forgetful and prone to follow simple orders without thinking about them.
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.


Crucio (Cruciatus Curse)

Pronunciation: /ˈkruːsioʊ/ krew-see-oh
Description: Inflicts unbearable pain on the recipient of the curse. 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.



D

Defodio (Gouging Spell)

Pronunciation: /dɛˈfoʊdioʊ/ de-foh-dee-oh
Description: Can carve or dig out materials, such as stone and steel.
Seen/mentioned: Cast by Harry, Ron and Hermione in Deathly Hallows to help dig their way out of the Gringotts Tunnels.
Deletrius

Pronunciation: /dᵻˈliːtriəs/ də-lee-tree-əs
Description: Removes or dismisses the effect of Prior Incantato.
Seen/mentioned: Seen only in Goblet of Fire when Amos Diggory gets rid of the echo of the Dark Mark from Harry's wand.


Densaugeo

Pronunciation: /dɛnˈsɔːdʒiːoʊ/ den-saw-jee-oh
Description: Causes the teeth of the recipient to grow at an alarming rate.
Seen/mentioned: Seen only in Goblet of Fire, cast by Draco on Harry, which is then deflected onto Hermione.


Deprimo

Pronunciation: /ˈdɛprᵻmoʊ/ dep-rim-oh
Description: A very powerful wind that can loosen and/or soften a variety of things; it can also be used to detach objects.
Seen/mentioned: Introduced in Deathly Hallows when Hermione casts this to blast a hole in the Lovegoods' living room floor.


Descendo

Pronunciation: /dɛˈsɛndoʊ/ de-sen-doh
Description: Makes things sink, or go down.
Seen/mentioned: Seen twice in Deathly Hallows, it is cast by Ron to magically cause the stairs in his room to descend, and later by Crabbe in the Room of Requirement to lower the wall behind which Ron is hiding.


Diffindo (Severing Charm)

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɪndoʊ/ di-fin-doh
Description: Cuts or rips objects.
Seen/mentioned: In Goblet of Fire when Ron wants to get rid of the lace on his dress robes. In Goblet of Fire when Harry urgently wants to talk to Cedric he casts this spell to rip his bag, delaying him for class. In Half-Blood Prince when Harry swaps the cover of the Half-Blood Prince's copy of Advanced Potion-Making with the cover of a new copy, allowing him to keep the Prince's notes under the guise of a new book.


Duro

Pronunciation: /ˈdjʊəroʊ/ dewr-oh
Description: Makes the object hard.
Seen/mentioned: Seen in Deathly Hallows, cast by Hermione while escaping from Death Eaters in Hogwarts.



E

Engorgio (Engorgement Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɛŋˈɡɔːrdʒioʊ/ eng-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. Also 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.


Episkey

Pronunciation: /ɛˈpɪskiː/ e-pis-kee
Description: Used to heal relatively minor injuries. When this spell is cast, the person feels his/her 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: /ɛˈrɛktoʊ/ e-rek-toh
Description: Used to erect something.
Seen/mentioned: Possibly used in Goblet of Fire by wizards at the campsites near the Quidditch World Cup. Used by Hermione and Harry in Deathly Hallows.


Evanesco (Vanishing Spell)

Pronunciation: /ɛvəˈnɛskoʊ/ ev-ə-nes-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.
Notes: According to Minerva McGonagall, in Deathly Hallows, Vanished objects and organisms go "into non-being, which is to say, everything."


Expecto Patronum (Patronus Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɛksˈpɛktoʊ pəˈtroʊnəm/ eks-pek-toh pə-troh-nəm
Description: Conjures an incarnation of the caster's innermost positive feelings, such as joy or hope, known as a Patronus. A Patronus is conjured as a protector, and is a weapon rather than a predator of souls: Patronuses shield their conjurors from Dementors or Lethifolds, and can even drive them away. They are also used amongst the Order of the Phoenix to send messages. According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the Charm is 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 in a Quidditch game, and other characters throughout the rest of the series use it.


Expelliarmus (Disarming Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɛksˌpɛliˈɑːrməs/ eks-pel-ee-ar-məs
Description: This spell is used to disarm another wizard, typically by causing the victim's wand to fly out of reach.
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 used it during his first (Goblet of Fire) and last duel (Deathly Hallows) with Voldemort. As such, at the beginning of Deathly Hallows, Death Eaters consider it Harry Potter's trademark and correctly identify Harry by the sight of this spell.


Expulso

Pronunciation: /ɛkˈspʊlsoʊ/ ek-spuul-soh
Description: A spell that causes an object to explode. The force of the explosion may depend on the intent of the caster.
Seen/mentioned: Used by a Death Eater in an attempt to capture Harry in The Deathly Hallows, it struck the table that Harry was standing behind, causing an explosion that slammed him into a wall with great force.



F

Ferula

Pronunciation: /ˈfɛrʊlə/ ferr-uul-ə
Description: Creates a bandage and a splint.
Seen/mentioned: Used by Lupin in Prisoner of Azkaban to bind Ron's broken leg.


Finite Incantatem

Pronunciation: /fɪˈniːteɪ ˌɪŋkənˈtɑːtəm/ fi-nee-tay in-kən-taht-əm
Description: Negates many spells or the effects of many spells.
Seen/mentioned: 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. It was suggested to Ron Weasley (whose appearance at the time was that of Reg Cattermole, a maintenance worker in the Ministry of Magic) that this incantation might work to stop a rainstorm in a Ministry office when Harry, Hermione and Ron infiltrated the Ministry of Magic in search of the Slytherin Locket in Deathly Hallows.


Flagrate

Pronunciation: /fləˈɡreɪtiː/ flə-gray-tee
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 unscramble 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'.


Furnunculus (Furnunculus Curse)

Pronunciation: /fərˈnʌŋkjᵿləs/ fər-nung-kew-ləs
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 barrage of curses, including the Furnuculus Curse (which was cast by Harry).



G

Geminio

Pronunciation: /dʒɛˈmɪnioʊ/ je-min-ee-oh
Description: Creates a duplicate of any object upon which it is cast. As revealed by the goblin Griphook, any copies created are worthless. The duplicate lasts several hours. Magical properties, at least of a Horcrux, are not copied.
Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione in Deathly Hallows to copy Salazar Slytherin's locket to hide their tracks from Umbridge.


Glisseo

Pronunciation: /ˈɡlɪsioʊ/ glis-ee-oh or /ɡlɪˈseɪoʊ/ gli-say-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 enter.



H


Homenum Revelio

Pronunciation: /ˈhɒmᵻnəm rɛˈvɛlioʊ/ hom-i-nəm re-vel-ee-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. Also used by Hermione upon her, Ron, and Harry's arrival at Grimmauld Place after being attacked by Death Eaters in Tottenham Court Road, after the wedding.



I

Impedimenta (Impediment Jinx, Impediment Curse)

Pronunciation: /ɪmˌpɛdᵻˈmɛntə/ im-ped-i-men-tə
Description: This powerful spell 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 practising for the third task. Also used by Madam Hooch to briefly 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.


Imperio (Imperius Curse)

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɪərioʊ/ 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 Crouches, 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 during the first war Lucius Malfoy claimed that he had been jinxed, thus evading imprisonment. First seen in Goblet of Fire introduced by Barty Crouch Jr. (acting as Moody) and used on a spider. Later seen in the book when Barty Crouch Jr., acting as Professor Moody, used it on all the students to see if they would be able to overcome it. Barty Crouch Sr. had used it on Barty Crouch Jr., who then escaped it and used it on his father before killing him in the fourth book. Used by Harry in Deathly Hallows on a Gringotts goblin and Travers, and by the Death Eaters on Pius Thicknesse.


Impervius (Impervius Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɜːrviəs/ im-pur-vee-əs
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.


Incarcerous

Pronunciation: /ɪŋˈkɑːrsərəs/ ing-kar-sər-əs
Description: Ties someone or something up with ropes.
Seen/mentioned: An unnamed spell, presumably incarcerous, is used by Lupin to tie up Snape in the Shrieking Shack in Prisoner of Azkaban and likewise in Goblet of Fire when Pettigrew ties Harry to Tom Riddle's grave. Incarcerous itself is 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, and later again when Harry tries to bound Snape after the death of Dumbledore.


Incendio

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɛndioʊ/ in-sen-dee-oh
Description: Produces fire. Flames burst out flying.
Seen/mentioned: It is first seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when Hagrid (nonverbally) 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.


L

Langlock

Pronunciation: /ˈlæŋlɒk/ lang-lok
Description: Glues the victim's tongue to the roof of his/her mouth. Created by Severus Snape.
Seen/mentioned: Used by Harry in Half-Blood Prince on Peeves and on Argus Filch, to general applause.


Legilimens

Pronunciation: /lɛˈdʒɪlᵻmɛnz/ le-jil-i-menz
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 and by Dumbledore on Kreacher. Also used nonverbally by Snape on Harry in Half-Blood Prince to allow him to see where Harry had learned the Sectumsempra spell. Used by Lord Voldemort multiple times to see Harry's thoughts.
Notes: See also Legilimency for more information.


Levicorpus

Pronunciation: /lɛvᵻˈkɔːrpəs/ lev-i-kor-pəs (usually nonverbal)
Description: The victim is dangled upside-down by one of his/her ankles, sometimes accompanied by a flash of white light. Created by Severus Snape. Its counter curse is Liberacorpus.
Seen/mentioned: It was originally shown to be a nonverbal-only spell, but 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, use the spell against Snape.
Notes: Though Harry initially learns Levicorpus as a nonverbal spell, it is used verbally by James Potter in The Order of the Phoenix and by Hermione Granger in The Deathly Hallows.


Liberacorpus

Pronunciation: /ˌlɪbərəˈkɔːrpəs/ lib-ər-ə-kor-pəs (nonverbal)
Description: The counter spell to Levicorpus. Created by Severus Snape.
Seen/mentioned: Harry uses the spell in Half-Blood Prince to counteract the Levicorpus spell he inadvertently casts on Ron. Harry also casts it on himself in Deathly Hallows after managing to retrieve the Horcrux from the shelf in the Lestrange's vault.


Locomotor

Pronunciation: /ˌloʊkoʊˈmoʊtɔːr/ loh-ko-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.


Locomotor Mortis (Leg-Locker Curse)

Pronunciation: /ˌloʊkoʊˈmoʊtɔːr ˈmɔːrtᵻs/ loh-ko-moh-tor mor-tis
Description: Locks the legs together, preventing the victim from moving the legs in any fashion. The target can hop when affected by this curse, but walking is impossible without the countercurse
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.


Lumos

Pronunciation: /ˈljuːmɒs/ lew-mos
Description: Creates a narrow beam of light that shines from the wand's tip, like a torch.
Seen/mentioned: First seen in Chamber of Secrets and then constantly throughout the series.
Notes: The counter spell, Nox, extinguishes the light. The caster of this spell can cast other spells while this spell is in effect.



M

Meteolojinx Recanto

Pronunciation: /ˌmiːtiːˈɒloʊdʒɪŋks rɛˈkæntoʊ/ mee-tee-ol-ə-jingks re-kan-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.


Mobiliarbus

Pronunciation: /ˌmoʊbɪliˈɑːrbəs/ moh-bil-ee-ar-bəs
Description: Lifts a tree a few inches off the ground and levitates it to where the caster points his or her wand.
Seen/mentioned: In Prisoner of Azkaban, Hermione uses the spell to move a Christmas Tree in The Three Broomsticks beside her table to hide Harry, who was in Hogsmeade illegally.


Mobilicorpus

Pronunciation: /ˌmoʊbɪliˈkɔːrpəs/ moh-bil-ee-kor-pəs
Description: Lifts a body a few inches off the ground and levitates it where the caster points his or her wand
Seen/mentioned: Sirius Black uses it on Severus Snape in Prisoner of Azkaban.


Morsmordre (Dark Mark)

Pronunciation: /mɔːrzˈmɔːrdrə/ morz-mor-drə
Description: Conjures the Dark Mark, Voldemort's mark. It is often used to mark deaths, or cause terror (as at the Quidditch World Cup in The Goblet of Fire)
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.


Muffliato

Pronunciation: /ˌmʌfliˈɑːtoʊ/ muf-lee-ah-toh
Description: Keeps nearby people, or those to whom the wand is directed, from hearing nearby conversations.
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.



N

Nox

Pronunciation: /ˈnɒks/ noks
Description: Counter charm to the Lumos spell.
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 that leads to the Shrieking Shack.



O


Obliviate (Memory Charm)

Pronunciation: /oʊˈblɪvieɪt/ oh-bliv-ee-ayt
Description: Used to hide a memory of a particular event.
Seen/mentioned: First mentioned (not by name) in the Philosopher's Stone by Ron that it was used on Muggles who have seen dragons. First used in Chamber of Secrets by Lockhart who wanted to use it on Harry and Ron; the spell backfired because Ron's wand had been damaged, causing Lockhart to lose most of his own memory (which he never recovers). In Goblet of Fire, it is used by an unknown Ministry worker on Mr. Roberts and later the rest of his family. 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 by Hermione on Xenophilius Lovegood after destroying his house in Deathly Hallows and erasing her parents memories of herself.


Obscuro

Pronunciation: /ɒbˈskjʊəroʊ/ ob-skewr-oh
Description: Causes a blindfold to appear over the victim's eyes, obstructing his/her view of his/her surroundings.
Seen/mentioned: Used by Hermione in Deathly Hallows to obstruct Phineas Nigellus Black's portrait's view of their location.


Oppugno

Pronunciation: /əˈpʌɡnoʊ/ ə-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 (also see Avis).


Orchideous

Pronunciation: /ɔːrˈkɪdiəs/ or-kid-ee-əs
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.



P

Pack

Pronunciation: /ˈpæk/ pak, as in English
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.


Petrificus Totalus (Body-Bind Curse)

Pronunciation: /pɛˈtrɪfᵻkəs toʊˈtæləs/ pe-trif-i-kəs toh-tal-əs
Description: Used to temporarily bind the victim's body in a position much like that of a soldier at attention; this spell does not restrict breathing or seeing, and 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 twice: in the beginning, Draco uses the spell against Harry on the train, and later when Dumbledore casts the spell non-verbally to make Harry freeze so he does not give himself away in the Astronomy Tower. The spell was broken when Dumbledore was killed.
Notes: The eyes of the target remain mobile, as seen in the Philosopher's Stone, and in the Deathly Hallows.


Piertotum Locomotor

Pronunciation: /paɪ.ərˈtoʊtəm loʊkoʊˈmoʊtɔːr/ py-ər-toh-təm loh-ko-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.


Point Me (Four-Point Spell)

Pronunciation: /ˈpɔɪntmiː/ poynt-mee, as in English
Description: 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 Goblet of Fire.


Portus

Pronunciation: /ˈpɔːrtəs/ port-əs
Description: Turns an object into a portkey. The object glows an odd blue colour to show it has been transformed into a portkey, then goes solid again.
Seen/mentioned: Used by Dumbledore in Order of the Phoenix.
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. Also requires Ministry approval to use.


Prior Incantato

Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪɔːr ˌɪŋkænˈtɑːtoʊ/ pry-or ing-kan-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).


Protego (Shield Charm)

Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ/ proh-tay-goh
Description: The Shield Charm causes minor to strong jinxes, curses, and hexes to rebound upon the attacker, or at least prevents them from having their full effect. It can also cause a shield to erupt from the caster's wand.
Seen/mentioned: First seen in Goblet of Fire, in which Harry Potter is taught this spell by Hermione Granger in preparation for the third task in the Triwizard Tournament. Also used throughout the series. Examples are in Order of the Phoenix when Harry blocks Snape's Legilimency after a lengthy Occlumency lessons and when Harry is duelling the Death Eaters. Harry later uses this spell in Half-Blood Prince to block Snape's jinx when he was showing Ron how to cast a spell without saying a word. Harry later uses it in Deathly Hallows to separate Ron and Hermione when they are fighting.


Protego Horribilis

Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ hɒˈrɪbᵻlɪs/ proh-tay-goh hor-rib-il-is
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


Protego Totalum

Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ toʊˈtæləm/ proh-tay-goh toh-tal-əm
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.



Q

Quietus

Pronunciation: /kwaɪˈeɪtəs/ kwy-ay-təs
Description: Makes a magically magnified voice return to normal.
Seen/mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire by Ludo Bagman.
Notes: Functions as the counter spell to Sonorus.



R

Reducio

Pronunciation: /rɛˈdjuːsioʊ/ re-dew-see-oh
Description: Makes an enlarged object smaller. Counter-charm to Engorgio.
Seen/mentioned: Used in Goblet of Fire by Barty Crouch Jr (as Moody) to shrink the spider he used to demonstrate the Cruciatus Curse. Harry attempts the spell in the Deathly Hallows when practising with Draco's blackthorn wand.


Reducto (Reductor Curse)

Pronunciation: /rɛˈdʌktoʊ/ re-duk-toh
Description: Enables the caster to explode solid objects.
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 and Ginny Weasley uses it in the Room of Requirement during the practice and in the Hall of Prophecy, Department of Mysteries; 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.


Relashio

Pronunciation: /rɛˈlæʃioʊ/ 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.
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.


Rennervate

Pronunciation: /ˈrɛnərveɪt/ ren-ər-vayt
Description: Brings someone out of unconsciousness.
Seen/mentioned: In Goblet of Fire, Amos Diggory uses it to wake up Winky and Dumbledore uses it to wake up Krum and Barty Crouch Jr. In "Half-Blood Prince", Harry later uses it to try to reawaken a cursed Dumbledore in the seaside cave.
Suggested etymology: Officially renamed from Ennervate by J. K. Rowling
Notes: Counter spell to Stupefy; when this spell is cast, red light is emitted.


Reparo

Pronunciation: /rɛˈpɑːroʊ/ re-par-oh
Description: Used to repair broken or damaged objects.
Seen/mentioned: Many times throughout the books. First used by Hermione, when she uses it to fix a broken window. Shattered objects are often described as having "flown" back together. However, substances contained within broken objects are not restored.
Notes: Harry used this spell twice to repair his wand in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, once with a normal wand and a second time with the "Elder Wand" or "Wand of Destiny". Only the second attempt was successful.


Repello Muggletum (Muggle-Repelling Charm)

Pronunciation: /rɛˈpɛloʊ ˈmʊɡlətəm/ re-pel-oh mug-lə-təm
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.


Rictusempra (Tickling Charm)

Pronunciation: /ˌrɪktəˈsɛmprə/ rik-tə-sem-prə
Description: The subject experiences the sensation of being tickled
Seen/mentioned: First seen used by Harry on Draco in Chamber of Secrets, when they fought in the Duelling Club.
Notes: This spell takes the form of a jet of silver light (purple in video games).


Riddikulus

Pronunciation: /rᵻˈdɪkələs/ ri-dik-ə-ləs
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.
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: /ˈsælvioʊ ˈhɛksiə/ sal-vee-oh hek-see-ə
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.


Scourgify (Scouring Charm)

Pronunciation: /ˈskɜːrdʒᵻfaɪ/ skur-ji-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 James use the spell on Snape's mouth.


Sectumsempra

Pronunciation: /ˌsɛktəmˈsɛmprə/ sek-təm-sem-prə
Description: Violently 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, but misses and only lightly cuts his cheek. Used successfully 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 speciality of Snape's.
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: /ˌsɜːrpənˈsɔːrtiə/ sur-pən-sor-tee-ə
Description: Conjures a serpent from the spell caster's wand.
Seen/mentioned: Used by Draco whilst duelling Harry in Chamber of Secrets and Voldemort in the duel against Dumbledore in Order of the Phoenix.


Silencio (Silencing Charm)

Pronunciation: /sɪˈlɛnsioʊ/ si-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 use a spell against Harry Potter. It was also used by Voldemort in Deathly Hallows during the Battle of Hogwarts.


Sonorus

Pronunciation: /sɒˈnɔərəs/ son-nohr-əs
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 and during the Triwizard Tournament. 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.
Notes: The counter-spell is Quietus.


Specialis Revelio (Scarpin's Revelaspell)

Pronunciation: /ˌspɛsiˈælᵻs rɛˈvɛlioʊ/ spes-ee-al-is re-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.


Stupefy (Stunning Spell, Stupefying Charm, Stunner)

Pronunciation: /ˈstjuːpᵻfaɪ/ stew-pi-fy
Description: Puts the victim in an unconscious state. Manifests as a jet of red light.
Seen/mentioned: First seen in Goblet of Fire, used by Ministry officials at the Quidditch World Cup and later against Barty Crouch Jr.. Also seen used by a number of Ministry officials against McGonagall in Order of the Phoenix. It is also taught by Harry in his Dumbledore's Army meetings and used extensively during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries against the Death Eaters. Is seen by some, including Harry himself, as the basic spell for fighting. Death Eaters, Ministry Officials, Order members and students all seem to refer to this spell as their preferred attack.
Notes: Hagrid was able to withstand multiple direct Stunners due to being half-giant, and Goblet of Fire shows six to seven wizards working in unison to Stun a single dragon.


T


Tarantallegra

Pronunciation: /təˌræntəˈlɛɡrə/ tə-ran-tə-leg-rə
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. It can be stopped using Finite, as mentioned in Order of the Phoenix. It is notably used against Neville in the Department of Mysteries, causing the prophecy to be broken.


Tergeo

Pronunciation: /ˈtɜːrdʒioʊ/ 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.


W

Waddiwasi

Pronunciation: /ˌwɑːdiˈwɑːsi/ wah-dee-wah-see
Description: Appears to launch small objects through the air.
Seen/mentioned: Used only once in the series, by Lupin in Prisoner of Azkaban to expel a wad of chewing gum from the key hole Peeves put it in, launching it up Peeves' left nostril.


Wingardium Leviosa (Levitation Charm)

Pronunciation: /wɪŋˈɡɑːrdiəm ˌlɛviˈoʊsə/ wing-gar-dee-əm lev-ee-oh-sə
Description: Levitates objects.
Seen/mentioned: First seen in The 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. Harry uses it to hold himself up on Hagrid's motorbike much later on, in The Deathly Hallows. Later in the same book, Ron uses it to prod the knot at the base of the Whomping Willow with a twig to allow him, Harry and Hermione into the Shrieking Shack.