Canon Spells

A

Accio (Summoning Charm)

Pronunciation: /ˈæki.oʊ/AK-ee-oh

Description: This charm summons an object to the caster, potentially over a significant distance. Its opposite is the Banishing Charm.

Aguamenti (Aguamenti Charm)

Pronunciation: /ˌɑːɡwəˈmɛnti/AH-gwə-MEN-tee

Description: Produces a jet of water from the caster's wand.

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.

Anapneo

Pronunciation: /əˈnæpniː.oʊ/ə-NAP-nee-oh

Description: Clears the target's airway, if blocked.

(Anti-Cheating Spell)

Description: Cast on parchment or quills to prevent the writer from cheating whilst writing answers.

(Anti-Disapparition Jinx)

Description: Used to prevent Disapparition and/or Apparition in an area for a period. Presumably can be used to prevent an enemy from entering a defended area, or used to trap an enemy in an area.

(Antonin Dolohov's Curse)

Description: Creates a streak of purple flames, causing serious injury without external symptoms.

Aparecium

Pronunciation: /ˌæpəˈriːsi.əm/AP-ə-REE-see-əm

Description: This spell makes invisible ink appear.

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.

One of the three Unforgivable Curses.

Avis

Pronunciation: /ˈeɪvɨs/AY-vis

Description: This charm creates a flock of birds from the caster's wand. When coupled with Oppugno, it can be used offensively.

B

(Babbling Curse)

Description: The Babbling Curse is presumed to cause a person to babble whenever they try to speak.

(Bat-Bogey Hex)

Description: Grotesquely enlarges the target's bogeys, gives them wings, and sets them attacking the target.

(Bedazzling Hex)

Description: Similar to a Disillusionment Charm, it can be used to conceal a person or an object. Is also used to make invisibility cloaks.

(Bubble-Head Charm)

Description: Puts a large bubble of air around the head of the user. Used as a magical equivalent of a scuba set or self-contained breathing apparatus.

C

(Caterwauling Charm)

Description: Anyone entering the perimeter of a Caterwauling Charm sets off a high-pitched shriek.

Note: Similar to an intruder charm: they both produce an alarm if the vicinity is disturbed.

Cave Inimicum

Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːveɪ ɨˈnɪmɨkəm/KAH-vay i-NIM-i-kəm

Description: Spell used to strengthen an enclosure from enemies.

(Cheering Charm)

Description: Causes the person upon whom the spell was cast to become happy and contented, though heavy-handedness with the spell may cause the person to break into an uncontrollable laughing fit.

Colloportus

Pronunciation: /kɒlɵˈpɔrtəs/KOL-o-POR-təs

Description: Magically locks a door, preventing it from being opened by Muggle means.

Notes: This spell functions as the counter spell to Alohomora

(Colour-Change Charm)

Description: Changes an object's colour.

Confringo (Blasting Curse)

Pronunciation: /kɒnˈfrɪŋɡoʊ/kon-FRING-goh

Description: Causes anything that the spell meets to explode in flames.

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.

(Conjunctivitus Curse)

Description: A curse that causes great pain to the victim's eyes.

Crucio (Cruciatus Curse)

Pronunciation: /ˈkruːsi.oʊ/KREW-see-oh

Description: Inflicts unbearable pain on the recipient of the curse.

One of the three Unforgivable Curses.

D

Defodio (Gouging Spell)

Pronunciation: /dɛˈfoʊdi.oʊ/de-FOH-dee-oh

Description: Can carve or dig out materials, such as stone and steel.

Deletrius

Pronunciation: /dəˈliːtri.əs/də-LEE-tree-əs

Description: Removes evidence of previous spells cast by the wand, revealed by Prior Incantato.

Densaugeo

Pronunciation: /dɛnˈsɔːdʒiː.oʊ/den-SAW-jee-oh

Description: Causes the teeth of the recipient to grow at an alarming rate.

Deprimo

Pronunciation: /ˈdɛprɨmoʊ/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.

Depulso (Banishing Charm)

Pronunciation: /diˈpuːlsoʊ/dee-POOL-soh

Description: Opposite to "Accio". Banishes the object the spell is performed on.

Descendo

Pronunciation: /dɛˈsɛndoʊ/de-SEN-doh

Description: Makes things sink, or go down.

Diffindo (Severing Charm)

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɪndoʊ/di-FIN-doh

Description: Cuts or rips objects.

(Disillusionment Charm)

Description: Causes the target to become invisible, or close to it.

Duro

Pronunciation: /ˈdjʊəroʊ/DEWR-oh

Description: Makes the object hard.

E

Engorgio (Engorgement Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɛŋˈɡɔrdʒi.oʊ/eng-GOR-jee-oh

Description: Causes objects to swell in size.

(Entrail-Expelling Curse)

Description: Causes the entrails to be ejected from the body.

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.

Notes: This spell belong to a family of Healing Spells.

Erecto

Pronunciation: /ɛˈrɛktoʊ/e-REK-toh

Description: Used to erect something.

Evanesco (Vanishing Spell)

Pronunciation: /ɛvəˈnɛskoʊ/EV-ə-NES-koh

Description: Makes the target vanish.

Notes: 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 can also be used to send messages.

Expelliarmus (Disarming Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɛksˌpɛliˈɑrməs/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.

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.

F

Ferula

Pronunciation: /ˈfɛrʊlə/FERR-uul-ə

Description: Creates a bandage and a splint.

(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.

Notes: 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.

(Fiendfyre Curse)

Description: Dangerous, uncontrollable and extremely powerful fire which can take the form of beasts such as serpents, Chimaeras, and dragons.

Finite Incantatem

Pronunciation: /fɪˈnaɪtiː ˌɪŋkənˈtætəm/fi-NY-tee IN-kən-TAT-əm

Description: Negates many spells or the effects of many spells.

(Flagrante Curse)

Description: Causes any object affected to burn human skin when touched.

Flagrate

Pronunciation: /fləˈɡreɪtiː/flə-GRAY-tee

Description: With this spell, the caster's wand can leave fiery marks

(Flame-Freezing Charm)

Description: Causes fire to become harmless to those caught in it, creating only a gentle, tickling sensation instead of burns.

(Flying Charm)

Description: Cast on broomsticks, and magic carpets to make them fly.

(Freezing Charm)

Description: Renders target immobile.

Furnunculus (Furnunculus Curse)

Pronunciation: /fərˈnʌŋkjʉləs/fər-NUNG-kew-ləs

Description: Causes the target to become covered in boils.

G

Geminio

Pronunciation: /dʒɛˈmɪni.oʊ/je-MIN-ee-oh

Description: Creates a duplicate of any object upon which it is cast.

(Gemino Curse)

Description: Whenever an object affected by this curse is touched, it duplicates itself into many useless copies to hide the original. To add confusion and eventually fill the surrounding area with copies, the copies also duplicate.

Glisseo

Pronunciation: /ˈɡlɪsiː.oʊ/GLIS-ee-oh

Description: Causes the steps on a stairway to flatten and form a ramp or 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.

H

(Hair Loss Curse)

Description: Causes one to lose one's hair.

(Hair-Thickening Charm)

Description: Thickens one's hair.

Homenum Revelio

Pronunciation: /ˈhɒmɨnəm rɛˈvɛli.oʊ/HOM-i-nəm re-VEL-ee-oh

Description: Reveals humans near the caster.

(Homorphus Charm)

Description: Causes an Animagus or transfigured object to assume its normal shape.

(Horton-Keitch Braking Charm)

Description: This spell was first used on the Comet 140 to prevent players from overshooting the goal posts and from flying off-sides.

(Hot-Air Charm)

Description: Causes wand to emit hot air.

(Hover Charm)

Description: An object is levitated off the ground and moved according to the caster.

(Hurling Hex)

Description: Causes brooms to vibrate violently in the air and try to buck their rider off.

I

Impedimenta (Impediment Jinx, Impediment Curse)

Pronunciation: /ɪmˌpɛdɨˈmɛntə/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.

Imperio (Imperius Curse)

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɪəri.oʊ/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.

One of the three Unforgivable Curses.

(Imperturbable Charm)

Description: Makes objects such as doors impenetrable (by everything, including sounds and objects).

Impervius (Impervius Charm)

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɜrvi.əs/im-PUR-vee-əs

Description: This spell makes something repel (literally, become impervious to) substances and outside forces, including water.

Incarcerous

Pronunciation: /ɪŋˈkɑrsərəs/ing-KAR-sər-əs

Description: Ties someone or something up with ropes.

Incendio

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɛndi.oʊ/in-SEN-dee-oh

Description: Produces fire. Flames burst out flying.

(Intruder Charm)

Description: Detects intruders and sounds an alarm.

J

(Jelly-Brain Jinx)

Description: Presumably affects the target's mental processes.

Seen/mentioned: During the September 1999 riot that took place during the Puddlemere/Holyhead Quidditch game.

(Jelly-Fingers Curse)

Description: Causes the target's fingers to become almost jelly-like to make it impossible for the victim to grasp objects. If the opponent touches a wall, he/she will be stuck to it forever.

K

(Knee-Reversal Hex)

Description: Causes the victim's knees to appear on the opposite side of his/her legs.

L

Langlock

Pronunciation: /ˈlæŋlɒk/LANG-lok

Description: Glues the victim's tongue to the roof of his/her mouth. Created by Severus Snape.

Legilimens

Pronunciation: /lɛˈdʒɪlɨmɛnz/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.

Notes: See also Legilimency for more information.

Levicorpus

Pronunciation: /lɛvɨˈkɔrpəs/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.

Liberacorpus

Pronunciation: /ˌlɪbərəˈkɔrpəs/LIB-ər-ə-KOR-pəs (nonverbal)

Description: The counter spell to Levicorpus. Created by Severus Snape.

Locomotor

Pronunciation: /ˌloʊkɵˈmoʊtɔr/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.

Locomotor Mortis (Leg-Locker Curse)

Pronunciation: /ˌloʊkɵˈmoʊtɔr ˈmɔrtɨs/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.

Locomotor Wibbly (Jelly-Legs Jinx)

Pronunciation: /ˌloʊkɵˈmoʊtɔr ˈwɪbli/LOH-ko-MOH-tor WI-blee

Description: A jinx that renders its victim's legs temporarily useless, leaving him/her to wobble around helplessly until the effect wears off or the counter-jinx is performed.

Lumos

Pronunciation: /ˈljuːmɒs/LEW-mos

Description: Creates a narrow beam of light that shines from the wand's tip.

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: /ˌmiːtiːˈɒlɵdʒɪŋks rɛˈkæntoʊ/MEE-tee-OL-ə-jingks re-KAN-toh

Description: Causes weather effects caused by incantations to cease.

Mobiliarbus

Pronunciation: /ˌmoʊbɪliˈɑrbəs/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.

Mobilicorpus

Pronunciation: /ˌmoʊbɪliˈkɔrpəs/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

Morsmordre (Dark Mark)

Pronunciation: /mɔrzˈmɔrdrə/morz-MOR-drə

Description: Conjures the Dark Mark, Voldemort's mark. It is often used to mark deaths, or cause terror.

Muffliato

Pronunciation: /ˌmʌfliˈɑːtoʊ/MUF-lee-AH-toh

Description: Keeps nearby people, or those to whom the wand is directed, from hearing nearby conversations.

N

Nox

Pronunciation: /ˈnɒks/NOKS

Description: Counter charm to the Lumos spell.

O

(Obliteration Charm)

Description: Removes things not wished to be seen again.

Obliviate (Memory Charm)

Pronunciation: /oʊˈblɪvi.eɪt/oh-BLIV-ee-ayt

Description: Used to hide a memory of a particular event.

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.

Oppugno

Pronunciation: /əˈpʌɡnoʊ/ə-PUG-noh

Description: Causes conjured objects to attack.

Orchideous

Pronunciation: /ɔrˈkɪdiː.əs/or-KID-ee-əs

Description: Makes a bouquet of flowers appear out of the caster's wand.

P

Pack

Pronunciation: /ˈpæk/PAK, as in English.

Description: Packs a trunk, or other type luggage.

(Permanent Sticking Charm)

Description: Makes objects permanently stay in place.

Petrificus Totalus (Body-Bind Curse)

Pronunciation: /pɛˈtrɪfɨkəs 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.

Notes: The eyes of the target remain mobile.

Piertotum Locomotor

Pronunciation: /paɪ.ərˈtoʊtəm loʊkɵˈmoʊtɔr/PY-ər-TOH-təm LOH-ko-MOH-tor

Description: Spell used to animate statues and suits of armour to do the caster's bidding.

(Placement Charm)

Description: A charm which temporarily places an object upon a desired target.

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.

Portus

Pronunciation: /ˈpɔrtəs/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.

Notes: Requires Ministry approval to use.

Prior Incantato

Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪ.ɔr 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.

(Protean Charm)

Description: Causes copies of an object to be remotely affected by changes made to the original.

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. For more information about shield spells at AO, see The Seven Shield Spells.

Protego Horribilis

Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ hɒˈrɪbɨlɪs/proh-TAY-goh hor-RIB-il-is

Description: Provides protection against Dark Magic.

Protego Totalum

Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ toʊˈtæləm/proh-TAY-goh toh-TAL-əm

Description: Provides protection of for an area or dwelling.

Q

Quietus

Pronunciation: /kwaɪˈeɪtəs/kwy-AY-təs

Description: Makes a magically magnified voice return to normal.

Notes: Functions as the counter spell to Sonorus.

R

Reducio

Pronunciation: /rɛˈdjuːsi.oʊ/re-DEW-see-oh

Description: Makes an enlarged object smaller. Counter-charm to Engorgio.

Reducto (Reductor Curse)

Pronunciation: /rɛˈdʌktoʊ/re-DUK-toh

Description: Enables the caster to explode solid objects.

(Refilling Charm)

Description: Refills whatever at which the caster points with the drink originally in the container.

Relashio

Pronunciation: /rɛˈlæʃi.oʊ/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.

Rennervate

Pronunciation: /ˈrɛnərveɪt/REN-ər-vayt

Description: Brings someone out of unconsciousness.

Notes: Counter spell to Stupefy; when this spell is cast, red light is emitted.

Reparo

Pronunciation: /rɛˈpɑroʊ/re-PAR-oh

Description: Used to repair broken or damaged objects.<ref name="CBBC2"/>

(Repelling Charm)

Description: Pushes a moving object away from an invisible barrier.

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.

Rictusempra (Tickling Charm)

Pronunciation: /ˌrɪktəˈsɛmprə/RIK-tə-SEM-prə

Description: The subject experiences the sensation of being tickled

Riddikulus

Pronunciation: /rɨˈdɪkələs/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.